- Over the last 12 months, ChildLife has treated 6,000+ children for hepatitis, focusing on infection control and parent education
Hepatitis continues to be a significant global health concern, ranking as the 8th leading cause of mortality worldwide. In Pakistan, the situation is particularly dire, with the country having the 2nd largest burden of hepatitis C globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection, has the highest incidence rate among the four major acute forms of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, and E), according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. This infection spreads rapidly through consuming contaminated food or drink and water, posing a significant health threat in Pakistan. The root causes of this high prevalence are poor sanitary conditions and inadequate hygiene practices. These factors result in 90% of children contracting hepatitis A (HAV) before the age of 10. HAV is responsible for 50-60% of acute viral hepatitis cases in children. By the time they reach 14 years of age, nearly 100% of children test positive for HAV IgG, indicating widespread exposure during childhood. Both HAV and hepatitis E virus (HEV) occur sporadically and are prevalent in Pakistan. While HAV primarily affects infants and young children, HEV is more common in older children and young adults.
Since 2010, the ChildLife Foundation has been working relentlessly to combat hepatitis in Pakistan. Over the last 12 months, ChildLife has treated over 6,000 children in its ERs for hepatitis and provided counseling to parents to debunk myths and stigma attached with it. ChildLife’s emergency rooms (ERs) across Pakistan implement strict infection control and waste management practices to prevent transmission. Major risk factors for Hepatitis B and C transmission include therapeutic injections, syringe reuse, surgery, improper sterilisation, blood transfusions, hospitalisation, and sharing razors. ChildLife’s ERs focus on mitigating these risks with robust infection control protocols.
Most of these cases involve effective treatment for several types of hepatitis, including acute viral hepatitis, newborns of Hepatitis B-positive mothers protected with immunoglobulin, and preventive vaccines, while Fulminant Hepatitis managed in modern resuscitation rooms highlights ChildLife’s impact.
ChildLife Foundation’s efforts extend beyond ER treatment by implementing on-ground strategies nationwide. ChildLife’s counselors educate parents on hand hygiene, breastfeeding, child vaccinations, and access to clean drinking water and food. Preventive health messages are also sent to parents’ post-discharge to reinforce these crucial health practices.
Addressing hepatitis in Pakistan requires a multi-sectoral approach. Prevention can be effectively achieved through comprehensive vaccination programs and ensuring widespread access to vaccines. Control measures must focus on public education, raising awareness about the modes of hepatitis transmission, and enhancing hygiene and sanitation practices. It is equally important to ensure the availability of quality care and medicines for those affected by the disease. ChildLife is providing quality emergency care to 2 million children annually 24/7, free of cost in 300+ hospitals across Pakistan in partnership with the government.
The collective efforts of individuals and communities are essential in reducing the hepatitis burden in Pakistan. Every Pakistani is urged to contribute by educating themselves about the risks, sharing knowledge, and encouraging those at risk to get tested. Each conversation and every tested individual bring us closer to a child-safe Pakistan. Together, we can reduce the burden of hepatitis and safeguard our children’s health. Let us unite in this cause and work towards a healthier future for all.