Islamabad, 28 July (Independent Report) The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) is launching a nationwide public awareness campaign on hepatitis prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment to mark World Hepatitis Day, July 28. The program will include educational seminars, walks, free screening clinics, and continuing medical education programs for both the public and healthcare providers.
PIMA Islamabad, in collaboration with the National Press Club Islamabad, recently organized a free medical camp that offered free screening and checkups for hepatitis B and C, hepatitis B vaccination, referrals for patients in need, specialist consultations, and necessary laboratory analyses.
PIMA’s Central President, Professor Dr. Atif Hafiz Siddiqui, stated that the primary cause of the increasing rate of hepatitis in Pakistan is contaminated and reused needles and unsafe injections. An estimated 90 percent of people living with viral hepatitis are unaware of their illness. Testing is the first and most important step for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Professor Siddiqui explained that hepatitis A and E are spread through contaminated water and unsafe food, while hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through contaminated needles, surgical instruments, and unsafe blood transfusions.
He further emphasized that timely diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B, C, and D can not only save the patient’s life but also prevent serious consequences like liver cancer
