About 10 Percent of Pakistanis Hepatitis Carriers: Experts

Over 10 percent of Pakistan's total population of 140 million are hepatitis B and C patients. This was revealed at a national consultative meeting of experts on hepatitis, according to the local newspaper Dawn. The experts said some of these patients do not show any hepatitis symptoms for many years and lead normal lives. They suggested that awareness be created among the general masses by educating them in an easily understandable language, and that hepatitis patients be provided free or subsidized medicines. About 70 percent to 80 percent of liver diseases are caused by the hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis B vaccine is available, but in Pakistan the ratio of vaccination is very low due to poor awareness, said Mohammad Umar, a consultant gastroenterologist.

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