Important note:
Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have
changed since the publication date.
About 10 Percent of Pakistanis
Hepatitis Carriers: Experts
Xinhua News Agency (06.12.03) - Friday, June 13, 2003
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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