Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to tackling the Hepatitis challenge and meeting the WHO’s global elimination goals by 2030. Speaking at the Second Meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis in New York, Ambassador Khan outlined Pakistan’s priorities, which include updating the National Strategic Framework, enhancing surveillance, expanding hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, increasing HCV testing and treatment, and collaborating with community-based organizations.
He emphasized that the objectives of the Group of Friends align perfectly with the overarching theme of UNGA 78, which centers on rebuilding trust and fostering global solidarity to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
The meeting was attended by Health Ministers, WHO officials, several ambassadors, and representatives of member states.
Pakistan faces significant challenges with an estimated 12 million people affected by Hepatitis B and C, resulting in 150,000 new cases reported annually. These challenges stem from unsafe blood transfusions, unhygienic dental treatments, and the reuse of syringes.
Ambassador Khan commended 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 has set ambitious targets under the initiative, aiming to screen millions of individuals and provide treatment to millions affected by hepatitis by 2030.
Ambassador Khan also expressed gratitude for the crucial role played by international partners, particularly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), in the fight against hepatitis. Pakistan has also established partnerships with the corporate sector through the Corporate Coalition for Viral Hepatitis Elimination in Pakistan (CCHEP), comprising 12 leading companies. These collaborations have further strengthened Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
In conclusion, Ambassador Khan affirmed Pakistan’s dedication to building robust partnerships, both domestically and internationally, to ensure the success of its efforts to eliminate hepatitis.
Visit scandals.pk for more news.