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ISLAMABAD — In what health officials are calling a dual-epidemic of “national emergency” proportions, Pakistan has emerged as the global epicenter for Hepatitis C infections while simultaneously battling one of the world’s fastest-growing HIV outbreaks. The crisis, characterized by thousands of children being infected through the very medical systems meant to heal them, was brought into sharp focus this month by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2026 and a damning investigative series in the Dawn newspaper.
While much of the world celebrates a decline in blood-borne viral transmissions, Pakistan’s trajectory remains stubbornly upward. The primary culprit? A systemic reliance on unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes, contaminated blood transfusions, and the misuse of multi-dose vials.
The Scale of a “Silent” National Emergency
According to the latest WHO data, Pakistan now stands as the single largest contributor to the global Hepatitis C burden. An estimated 8.8 to 10 million people in the country are currently living with the virus, representing nearly 18% of the worldwide total.
The statistics for HIV are equally sobering. UNAIDS reports that Pakistan hosts one of the most rapidly expanding HIV epidemics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, with approximately 350,000 people affected. Perhaps most concerning is the “hidden” nature of the virus: an estimated 80% of these individuals remain undiagnosed, creating a massive gap in treatment and prevention efforts.
A Crisis of Care: Pediatric HIV Outbreaks
The human cost of these statistics is most visible in the recurrent HIV outbreaks among children. Unlike Western epidemics where transmission is often linked to high-risk behaviors or mother-to-child transmission, Pakistan’s pediatric cases are overwhelmingly iatrogenic—caused by medical treatment.
Between November 2024 and October 2025, an investigation in Taunsa, Punjab, identified 331 children who tested HIV-positive. The source was traced back to THQ Taunsa Hospital, where investigators found evidence of routine needle reuse. This follows the 2019 Ratodero disaster, where over 1,300 people—mostly children—tested positive.
“It is a profound tragedy,” says Dr. Ayesha Khan, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Aga Khan University Hospital, who has monitored the outbreaks. “Seeing healthy children contract a lifelong condition like HIV from a routine check-up or a simple injection for a fever reflects a catastrophic failure in basic hygiene standards. Over 80% of these pediatric cases are entirely preventable with single-use devices.”
The Hepatitis C “Powerhouse”
The WHO Global Hepatitis Report 2026 highlights a grim reality: Hepatitis B and C combined to cause 1.34 million deaths globally in 2024. Pakistan consistently ranks among the top ten countries for Hepatitis C-related fatalities.
The prevalence is driven by a cultural and systemic “injection obsession.” Research indicates that Pakistan has one of the highest rates of medical injections per capita in the world, with many patients believing that intravenous or intramuscular treatments are more effective than oral medication.
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New Infections: Roughly 110,000 new Hepatitis C cases occur annually.
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Medical Transmission: 62% of these infections are linked to unsafe medical injections and transfusions.
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The Global Share: Together with India and China, Pakistan accounts for 39% of all global Hepatitis C cases.
Lessons from Egypt: A Blueprint for Elimination
While the situation in Pakistan is dire, regional neighbors provide a roadmap for success. Just a decade ago, Egypt faced a similar crisis with a 10% adult prevalence rate of Hepatitis C.
Through the “100 Million Healthy Lives” campaign, Egypt launched a massive screening and treatment initiative, slashing prevalence to just 0.5%. In 2023, the WHO awarded Egypt “gold tier” status for hepatitis elimination—the first country in the world to achieve this.
“Egypt proves that elimination is feasible even in resource-limited settings when there is political will,” explains Dr. Gamal Esmat, Professor of Hepatology at Cairo University and an advisor to the Egyptian program. “By prioritizing mass screening and mandating auto-disable (AD) syringes that cannot be reused, Pakistan can replicate this triumph.”
Government Response and Persistent Gaps
The Pakistani government has not been entirely idle. Following the 2019 outbreaks, a National Injection Safety Task Force was formed, leading to a 2021 ban on reusable syringes. However, enforcement remains the “Achilles’ heel” of the policy.
While many manufacturers have transitioned to auto-disable (AD) technology, some continue to produce reusable syringes under mislabeled packaging. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) faces significant hurdles in monitoring the thousands of “quack” clinics and unauthorized medical practitioners that operate in rural and peri-urban areas.
The Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Elimination Program aims to test 82.5 million people and treat 5 million by 2027. However, experts warn that without strict accountability and a total overhaul of the medical supply chain, these targets may remain out of reach.
Public Health Implications and the Road Ahead
The economic and social stability of the country hangs in the balance. Untreated Hepatitis C leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer, placing an enormous burden on a healthcare system already stretched thin. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding HIV prevents many from seeking the very testing that could save their lives.
Dr. Suneeta Krishnan, the WHO South-East Asia lead for infectious diseases, emphasizes that the solution must be multi-sectoral. “Pakistan has the plans on paper. The execution is what matters now. Framing health as a national security issue—much like Egypt did—can help mobilize the necessary resources and public cooperation.”
What Can the Public Do?
For the health-conscious consumer, the advice from experts is clear:
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Demand Transparency: Always ensure a healthcare provider opens a new, sealed syringe in your presence.
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Question the Need: Ask if an injection is truly necessary or if oral medication is an alternative.
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Verify Equipment: Look for Auto-Disable (AD) markings on syringe packaging.
As Pakistan navigates this crisis, the choice is stark: continue with the status quo and face a generational health catastrophe, or implement the rigorous reforms needed to turn a medical “curse” into a cured nation.
Reference Section
- https://www.dawn.com/news/1996513
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
