July 25, 2025 – As Pakistan grapples with one of the world’s highest hepatitis burdens, ChildLife Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the country’s most vulnerable children. On this year’s World Hepatitis Day, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” ChildLife calls for urgent collective action to tackle the growing epidemic of viral hepatitis through treatment, awareness, and prevention.
The Alarming Burden of Hepatitis in Pakistan
Hepatitis poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s future. The country bears the second-highest global burden of Hepatitis C, with an estimated 9.7 million people infected. The national prevalence rate of hepatitis C stands at 4.3%, nearly ten times the global average, with even higher rates in rural and underserved areas. Unsafe medical practices, reuse of syringes, unregulated blood transfusions, and poor sanitation are major contributors to the spread.
Children at High Risk
Children are particularly vulnerable. Hepatitis A (HAV), spread through contaminated food and water, affects 90% of children before the age of 10, with nearly all testing positive for HAV antibodies by adolescence. Hepatitis E (HEV) also remains common, particularly among older children and young adults.
ChildLife’s Frontline Response
Since 2010, ChildLife Foundation has been on the frontlines of pediatric healthcare in Pakistan, offering free, 24/7 emergency treatment in over 300 government hospitals across the country. In the last 12 months alone, more than 5,000 children with hepatitis-related illnesses were treated in ChildLife’s Emergency Rooms (ERs).
A Dual Approach: Treatment and Prevention
“Every hepatitis case in a child is a call to strengthen our public health systems and preventive efforts,” said Dr. Ahson Rabbani, CEO of ChildLife Foundation. “At ChildLife, we are not only saving lives through emergency care but also building awareness to prevent future infections.”
ChildLife’s model integrates treatment and prevention:
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Strict infection control protocols in ERs ensure safe injection practices, sterilization, and proper waste management.
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Counseling for parents on hand hygiene, breastfeeding, clean drinking water, and timely vaccinations.
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Follow-up health messages post-discharge to reinforce preventive practices at home.
Expanding Access Through Telemedicine
To reach children in remote and underserved regions, ChildLife has expanded its Telemedicine network, connecting government hospitals in rural areas to qualified pediatricians in major cities. Through this platform, thousands of children receive expert care and counseling for hepatitis and other life-threatening conditions without the burden of travel.
Targeting the Root Causes
These efforts directly address the root causes of hepatitis spread among children: unsafe environments, lack of information, and inadequate healthcare access. Special care is also provided to newborns of Hepatitis B-positive mothers, who receive immunoglobulin for early protection.
A Call for National Action
ChildLife Foundation believes that addressing hepatitis requires a united national effort. The organization urges policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society, and the public to:
- Promote awareness
- Improve sanitation
- Ensure vaccine access
- Encourage testing
A Commitment to a Hepatitis-Free Future
“As we observe World Hepatitis Day, let us renew our commitment to ending this silent epidemic,” added Dr. Rabbani. “Together, we can reduce the hepatitis burden and protect every child’s right to a healthy future.”