Journal of Liver

Healthcare and the preventable silent killer: The growing epidemic of hepatitis C in Pakistan

4^th International Conference on Hepatology

April 27-28, 2017 Dubai, UAE

Kamiar Alaei

University at Albany, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Liver

Abstract:

The Hepatitis C (HCV) epidemic in Pakistan has increased tremendously in recent years because of a lack of government action and little oversight in the medical field. The HCV rate in Pakistan is now estimated to be around 5-10%, second in the world behind Egypt. This study aims to analyze the main risk factors for HCV in the county by looking at different risk factors and regional trends. Improper syringe administration due to lax regulation, improperly trained professionals and the scarcity of proper waste disposal are found to be the main culprits. Given the fact that Pakistan was found to have one of the highest medical syringe injection rates in the world, this is particularly troubling. Recommendations are made to resolve these issues; including proper training of medical staff, adequate disposal methods for waste, the integration of HCV services into existing health systems, affordable treatment for HCV and collaboration between governmental and nongovernmental parties to increase awareness of HCV.

Biography :

Email: kalaei@albany.edu