By Dr Laila Rizvi | Executive Director
The Global situation of people who are chronically infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) presents a major Public Health Emergency. Immediate collaborative and concrete steps need to be taken NOW if a great number of deaths (estimated at 20 million deaths expected to occur between 2015 and 2030) are to be avoided
Pakistan has a high disease burden with maximum morbidity and mortality by HBV and HCV (Pakistan ranks the 2nd highest in the world for Hepatitis Prevalence). As per the Pakistan National Hepatitis Strategic Framework (NHSF) for Hepatitis response 2017-2021 the 2 key elements, if we are to even start on the path of Hepatitis elimination, are stopping fresh infections and treating the existing Hepatitis Patients.
The Health Foundation through its Hepatitis Free Community models being implemented at community level plus its partnerships and collaborations with other NGOs and CBOs, in high prevalent areas of Pakistan aims to address both of the two key elements i.e. Prevention (mass community awareness/sensitization) and Treatment to work towards a Hepatitis Free Community.
Susutained Community sensitization/awareness sessions are ongoing at community level to enpower the masses with correct and timely information regarding Hepatitis prevention.
THF also ensures that Hepatitis C treatment is acceptable, accessible, available and affordable to the target community
A project to support the treatment for 1000 poorest of the poor patients was pledged on global giving. The details to date of this support are:
1) A total of 716 patients have been registered for Hepatitis C.
2) Out of which 381patients have completed their treatment
3) SVR* done for 152 patients. 146 found negative. (96 % success rate of treatment). reports of remaining patients are awaited.
*Once the full 6 months regime of oral direct acting anti-viral (DAA's) treatment is completed, final HCV RNA (PCR test) is done after a period of another 3 months.If this final test comes out to be negative then it means the patients is declared cured and free from Hepatitis C.
THF continues to look at humane and socailly responsible individuals / organizations for support. We cannot do it alone. Please help us .... Help you!!
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