ISLAMABAD (April 20, 2026) — On World Liver Day, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has issued a stern warning regarding the country’s escalating liver health crisis. Under the global theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver,” the association revealed that Pakistan now bears the heaviest burden of Hepatitis C in the world, with tens of thousands of preventable deaths occurring annually.
The Crisis in Numbers
- Pakistan has an estimated 9.8 to 10 million cases of Hepatitis C, the highest number of any country.
- Approximately 15 million people are living with either Hepatitis B or C nationwide.
- Nearly 37,000 deaths occur each year due to complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
- Only 25–30% of infected individuals are aware of their status, indicating a massive failure in routine screening.
پاکستان میں صحت عامہ کی صورتحال۔ پاکستان میں ہیپاٹائٹسC سے متاثرہ افراد کی تعداد ایک کروڑ ہے جو دنیا میں آبادی کے تناسب کے اعتبار سے سب سے زیادہ ہے۔
— Adnan Adil (@adnanaadil) April 19, 2026
The “Silent Powerhouse” under threat
PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro described the liver as a “silent powerhouse” that performs over 500 essential functions but often remains asymptomatic until damage is severe. He noted that beyond viral hepatitis, there is a rising prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), driven largely by sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of ultra-processed, high-fructose foods.
Call for systemic and personal reform
The PMA has outlined a strategic “call to action” to combat the epidemic:
Healthcare Safety: Strict adherence to screened blood transfusions and sterilized medical equipment to prevent transmission.
Primary Care: A demand for the government to decentralize diagnostic facilities and ensure essential treatments are available across all provinces.
Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging citizens to reduce oily diets, avoid self-prescribed medications (which can cause drug-induced liver injury), and adopt regular exercise.
A push for 2026 health targets
In alignment with 2026 global health goals, the PMA is urging its branches nationwide to organize screening camps and awareness seminars. Dr. Shoro emphasized that vaccinations and regular check-ups remain the most effective shields against liver failure. The association also highlighted the need to protect frontline healthcare practitioners who are managing the growing volume of chronic liver cases across the country.
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