<p>Viral Hepatitis C, also known as Hep-C or HCV, and frequently termed the silent killer is one of Pakistan's most predominant epidemics. Recent data shows that Pakistan has the second highest HCV burden in the world, with approximately five percent of the population living with the disease. Over the years, the call to action for the elimination of the Hep-C virus has increased, causing countries to invest in the millions for viable solutions to eradicate the root of the problem. In Pakistan's context, however, there is an urgent need to invest in cost-effective solutions for the elimination of HCV.
</p><p>An increasing cause of concern associated with the Hep-C virus is the overuse or reuse of injections. On average, Pakistan spends USD 500M per year on unnecessarily dangerous injections, 12% of which turn out to be unsafe. In such conditions, what is our best course of action? The answer is simple. A strategic investment of USD 220 million per year towards the adoption of auto-disable syringes. These syringes, which are designed for single use only, reduce the risk of infections transmitted through unsafe injection practices. By implementing this solution on a national scale, Pakistan can prevent an estimated 320,000 premature deaths and enhance the quality of life for 7-13 million individuals by 2030. This initiative not only saves lives but also promotes sustainable healthcare practices that benefit society at large.</p><p>Moreover, the recent milestone by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the prequalified HCV self-tests offers a safe and affordable option for individuals to screen themselves, which is especially crucial in low-resource settings. This innovation when adopted in Pakistan will become the nation's vital step forward for achieving our goal of eliminating the Hep-C virus as a public health threat in a more economical way. </p><p>The importance of these investments cannot be overstated. By proactively addressing unsafe injection practices and enhancing diagnostic capabilities through innovative solutions like auto-disable syringes and HCV self-testing, Pakistan not only saves lives but also reduces the economic burden associated with chronic diseases. The financial resources allocated to these interventions promise significant returns, not just monetarily, but also in the sphere of public health outcomes and societal well-being.
</p><p><em style="font-size: 15px;">Author: <a href="/pakistan/patientservices/pages/profiles.aspx?ProfileID=252&Name=Saeed%20Sadiq%20Hamid&page=findadoctor">Dr Saeed Hamid</a>, </em><em style="font-size: 15px;">Gastroenterologist, Director, Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital.</em><span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span>
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