KARACHI: World Hepatitis Day prompted Dr Ziauddin Hospital to organise an awareness walk and an educational symposium, where health experts urged stronger action to eliminate viral hepatitis in Pakistan.

The event followed the global themes, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down” and “Elimination for everyone, everywhere…right now!” Healthcare professionals, faculty members, medical students and members of the public attended the programme.

Prof. Uzma Ghori, Head of the Department of Medicine at Dr Ziauddin Hospital, chaired the symposium. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr S.M. Wasim Jafri, Founding President and Patron of the Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases, attended as the guest of honour.

KP Security: Faisal Kundi calls for united action to eliminate militancy and restore peace

During the scientific session, Dr Khurram Baqai explained the epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Pakistan. He highlighted the country’s continuing public health challenge.

Moreover, Prof. Dr Zaigham Abbas, Head of the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant, warned that unsafe medical practices and quackery continue to spread hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

He said the World Health Organization classifies Pakistan as a high-burden hepatitis country. However, weak enforcement, poor governance, informal healthcare providers and limited resources continue to hinder national efforts.

Dr Darayus P. Gazder stressed the importance of vaccination and preventive healthcare. He said immunisation remains one of the most effective tools for eliminating hepatitis.

In addition, liver transplant surgeon Dr Zeeshan Hyder said complications from chronic viral hepatitis remain the leading reason for liver transplants at Dr Ziauddin Hospital.

Finally, Prof. Wasim Jafri urged people to get vaccinated, seek early diagnosis and start treatment without delay. He also encouraged healthcare providers to follow safe medical practices to reduce new infections.

The event reaffirmed Dr Ziauddin Hospital’s commitment to promoting liver health, advancing medical education and supporting national and global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis.