World Hepatitis Day was observed today to create awareness about deadly disease.

Annual observance focuses attention on the huge impact of viral hepatitis infection with more than 350 million People worldwide living with either chronic hepatitis B or C.

President Dr. Arif Alvi has stressed for prioritizing hepatitis C screening and early diagnosis to ensure the wellbeing of the people.

In his message on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day being observed today, he reaffirmed the commitment to make the prevention, control and eradication of hepatitis a national priority.

The President said Pakistan has the largest population of hepatitis C patients at around 10 million. It is our duty to proactively screen our entire population and promptly treat hepatitis positive individuals.

He said we must immediately reduce the factors that increase the risk of hepatitis.

The President said we need to create awareness among people about prevention, screening and treatment of hepatitis.