NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, has emphasized the unwavering commitment of Pakistan in addressing the challenge of hepatitis and achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global elimination targets by 2030.
Speaking at the Second Meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis held at the Yale Club in New York, Khan outlined the priorities of Pakistan in this endeavor.
He highlighted key areas of focus, including updating the National Strategic Framework, enhancing surveillance, expanding hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, increasing HCV testing and treatment, and engaging community-based organizations. These efforts align with the objectives of the Group of Friends and resonate with the overarching theme of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, which emphasizes rebuilding trust and fostering global solidarity to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
The meeting saw participation from Health Ministers, WHO officials, several ambassadors, and representatives of member states. Current estimates indicate that approximately 12 million people in Pakistan are affected by Hepatitis B and C, with 150,000 new cases reported annually. These challenges stem from unsafe blood transfusions, unhygienic dental treatments, and the reuse of syringes.
Ambassador Masood Khan acknowledged the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination for launching the National Hepatitis Elimination Profile (N-HEP) Initiative in 2022. He noted that the Government of Pakistan had set an ambitious target under the initiative, aiming to screen millions of individuals and provide treatment to millions affected by hepatitis by 2030.
In expressing appreciation for the pivotal role of international partners, particularly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), in the fight against hepatitis, Khan emphasized the formation of partnerships with the corporate sector through the Corporate Coalition for Viral Hepatitis Elimination in Pakistan (CCHEP). This coalition comprises 12 leading companies and has significantly strengthened Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.
Masood Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to building strong partnerships, both domestically and internationally, to ensure the success of its hepatitis elimination efforts. The collaboration and concerted efforts of various stakeholders are crucial in achieving the WHO’s global elimination targets and enhancing the health and well-being of the Pakistani population.
