Islamabad: President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has called upon all stakeholders-government institutions, healthcare professionals, private sector partners, media, and civil society-to join hands in a unified response to combat hepatitis.

In his message on World Hepatitis Day - 28th July, 2025, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari said that all stakeholders need to join hands in a unified response to combat hepatitis.

He said, 'World Hepatitis Day is observed to raise awareness about the dangers of hepatitis and to promote collective action to prevent and control this growing public health threat. In Pakistan, viral hepatitis continues to pose a public health challenge with Millions silently suffer due to late diagnosis, lack of awareness and inadequate healthcare services. The rising incidence of hepatitis is putting burden on our healthcare system as well as economy.'

'Hepatitis is often called as a 'silent killer,' hepatitis progresses unnoticed until it causes irreversible liver damage. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure. Its quiet spread has made it a silent epidemic. The disease is preventable, provided its root causes are effectively addressed,' he said.

'Addressing hepatitis requires an integrated and coordinated national response. We must implement comprehensive strategies that combine mass awareness campaigns, effective vaccination drives, timely screening and access to treatment. It is imperative to extend these services to all segments of society, especially in underserved and rural areas. At the same time, we must invest in training healthcare workers, enforce strict infection control protocols and strengthen the regulation and oversight of medical and blood transfusion practices.'

'Raising public awareness must remain central to our efforts. The more people understand the risks, the better equipped they will be to protect themselves and their families. Through raising awareness campaigns, we can promote responsible healthcare practices and educate the people about hepatitis to help minimize the risk factors that contribute to its spread,' he said.

'Public awareness must be at the heart of our efforts. The more our people know, the more lives we can save. Through awareness campaigns, we can empower citizens with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families from this preventable disease,' he said.

'Let this day serve as a reminder that hepatitis is preventable and treatable. With collective efforts and coordinated action, we will surmount this challenge and move toward a healthier and hepatitis-free future,' he said.