• Pakistan has highest global burden of Hepatitis C
• About 37,000 deaths annually occur due to liver complications like cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma

ISLAMABAD: While World Liver Day was observed on Sunday under the theme ‘Solid Habits, Strong Liver’, the representative body of the medical fraternity, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), expressed grave concern over the rising trend of liver-related ailments in the country.

The association emphasised that the liver is a silent powerhouse that often does not manifest symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. With millions of Pakistanis affected by Hepatitis B and C, along with the increasing prevalence of Metabolic Dys­function-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the need for proactive prevention has never been more urgent.

PMA Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor Shoro stated that recent data underscores the severity of the crisis. Pakistan currently bears one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis globally.

“Over 13.8 to 15 million people in Pakistan are estimated to be living with Hepatitis B or C. Pakistan has the heaviest burden of Hepatitis C globally, with an estimated 9.8 to 10 million cases. Provincial surveys indicate a viraemic prevalence as high as 7.7pc to 9pc in certain regions,” Dr Shoro said in a statement.

“Approximately 3.8 to 4 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B. Nearly 37,000 deaths occur annually in Pakistan due to complications from these viruses, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer),” he added.

“However, only 25–30pc of those infected are aware of their status, highlighting a massive gap in screening and diagnosis,” he continued.

“The liver is the body’s primary filtration organ, performing over 500 essential functions. Yet, it is often the most neglected organ in our health priorities. This year’s theme, ‘Solid Habits, Strong Liver,’ is a call to action for every citizen to realise that small, consistent changes in daily routines can prevent life-threatening conditions.”

In line with global 2026 health targets, the PMA has advocated essential habits, including reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods, high-fructose sugars, and oily diets common in local cuisine.

“Combating sedentary lifestyles through regular exercise to reduce liver fat accumulation, ensuring the use of screened blood for transfusions, sterilised medical equipment, and avoiding the self-prescription of over-the-counter medications that can cause drug-induced liver injury should be ensured by every individual,” he said.

Dr Shoro suggested that regular check-ups and vaccinations against hepatitis are the most effective shields against chronic liver failure.

“The PMA also calls upon the government to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure. There is an immediate need to decentralise diagnostic facilities and ensure the availability of essential treatments across all provinces,” the statement said.

“The PMA remains committed to advocating for the safety of healthcare practitioners who are on the front lines of managing this growing health crisis,” it added.

“The PMA urges all branches across the country to organise awareness seminars and screening camps to educate the public on the importance of liver health,” the statement concluded.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026