KARACHI: Globally 3,000 people die daily from this preventable and treatable disease, while an estimated 8,000 new infections are reported each day.
These alarming statistics were revealed at a public seminar organized by the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) Karachi in observance of World Hepatitis Day, where national and global experts in medical science stressed the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and proactive intervention.
Experts warned that if current trends continue, hepatitis-related deaths could surpass the combined global fatalities caused by malaria and HIV by 2040. The seminar, hosted by Consultant Physician Dr. Munir Sadiq, aimed to educate the public on the dangers of hepatitis, its causes, and the importance of timely vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Renowned gastroenterologist and liver specialist Dr. Shahid Majid emphasized that viral hepatitis remains a major global health threat, claiming over one million (10 lakh) lives worldwide each year. Despite being preventable and manageable, low public awareness and inadequate access to healthcare continue to obstruct early diagnosis and treatment—particularly in developing countries like Pakistan.
Dr. Majid explained that Hepatitis B and C are primarily blood-borne infections, commonly spread through unsafe blood transfusions, reused surgical tools, contaminated syringes, and shared razors. In contrast, Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water, typically due to poor sanitation and hygiene.
The event was also attended by prominent PIMA representatives, including Professor Abdullah Muttaqi, President of PIMA Sindh; Dr. Ahmer Hamid, President of PIMA Karachi; and Dr. Zeeshan Hussain Ansari, General Secretary of PIMA Karachi.
As part of the initiative, a free hepatitis screening camp was conducted by Alkhidmat Diagnostic Center, where 33 individuals were tested. The effort underscored the vital role of early screening and community awareness in combating hepatitis across Pakistan.