Health experts, policymakers, international partners and healthcare leaders gathered in Islamabad to mark World Hepatitis Day 2026, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis through stronger partnerships, quality diagnostics and expanded prevention, screening and treatment.

The seminar, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” was organized by the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis Programme under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in collaboration with Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH) at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the event, while Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, delivered the keynote address. They emphasized political commitment, disease prevention, healthcare innovation and inter-sectoral collaboration to achieve Pakistan’s hepatitis elimination goals.

Dr. Zia Dawar, Project Director of the Prime Minister’s National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, presented an overview of the national programme and efforts to expand screening and treatment. A video message from Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, WHO Global Director, was followed by the regional perspective from Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan. Dr. Huma Qureshi, National Hepatitis Focal Point, highlighted Pakistan’s hepatitis burden and the urgent need to scale up prevention and treatment.

Representing the private healthcare sector, Mr. Yasir Khan Niazi, Group CEO of GAK Healthcare International, highlighted the contribution of private institutions through healthcare delivery, education, research and community outreach. He reaffirmed the commitment of Islamabad Medical & Dental College (IMDC) and ANTH to supporting national hepatitis elimination efforts.

Secretary Health Mr. Muhammad Aslam Ghauri stressed stronger coordination among federal and provincial governments, healthcare institutions and development partners. Professor Dr. Saeed Akhter, Member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Hepatitis and Chairman, Board of Governors, PKLI, presented a policy roadmap emphasizing political commitment, quality diagnostics and treatment, surveillance and public-private partnerships.

The scientific programme featured Dr. Usman Waheed, Associate Professor and Principal Laboratory Sciences at IMDC, who presented findings from national systematic reviews and meta-analyses on hepatitis B and C prevalence and discussed evidence-based selection of screening assays. Experts from Sansure Biotech, China, shared advances in molecular diagnostics and China’s experience in hepatitis control, while Dr. Hunain Habib discussed nucleic acid testing for blood safety.

A panel discussion addressed substandard screening kits, regulation of blood services, public awareness, hepatitis among multi-transfused thalassaemia patients and indigenous diagnostic technologies.

In his vote of thanks, Dr. Abdul Wali Khan, Director General Health, acknowledged ANTH, GAK Healthcare International, Hoora Pharma, Sansure Biotech and other partners, reaffirming collective commitment towards a Hepatitis-Free Pakistan by 2030.