Hepatitis poses a critical public health challenge in Pakistan, where the prevalence of HCV infection is high at 11.55% among adults. The country’s unfortunate second ranking globally for HCV means approximately one out of every 20 Pakistanis is already grappling with this issue.
Compounding these concerns is the lack of a centralized national database and effective coordination among provinces, which impedes the fight against this disease. To address this, establishment of a unified national registry emerges as a pivitol step. This registry would serve as a crucial tool for conducting comprehensive analyses, tracking the prevalence of hepatitis, and pinpointing regions in dire need of targeted interventions.
Collaboration among provinces, government entities, non-governmental organizations, and even student driven initiatives along with leveraging enhanced laboratory capabilities post the COVID-19 era can significantly bolster the effectiveness of hepatitis control programs.
The RMU Council undertook a vital research initiative aimed at highlighting the urgent need for a cohesive national registry to effectively combat the spread of hepatitis. The findings of this research underscored the significance of a unified registry in enhancing case surveillance and fostering collaborative efforts among provinces. This approach not only streamlines case tracking but also empowers provinces to collaborate and confront the challenges posed by hepatitis.
