By Dr Laila Rizvi | Executive Director
Keeping in view the global situation of people who are chronically infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), immediate collaborative and concrete steps need to be taken to deal with this public health emergency if a great number of deaths (estimated at 20 million deaths will 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 in high prevalent areas of Pakistan is already working on both the two key elements i.e. Prevention (mass community awareness/sensitization) and Treatment. 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 569 patients have been registered for Hepatitis C.
2) Out of which 360patients have completed their treatment of 6 months for HCV.
3) SVR* done for 131 patients. 129 found negative. (98 % success rate of treatment)
*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.f this final test comes out to be negative then it means the patients is declared cured and free from Hepatitis C.
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