"Remarks by Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan, At the side event on Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: Building Momentum towards High Level Political Action (24 June 2026) ******** Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, It is an honor for us to co-host this important event in collaboration with the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis and The Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination. Let me formally welcome you all at Pakistan Mission. 2. Hepatitis is a devastating global health scourge, ranking as the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, viral hepatitis claims 1.34 million lives every single year. These alarming figures call for a collective and measured global response based on the principle of shared responsibility. 3. Hepatitis is a serious health challenge in Pakistan that affects millions of people and places a heavy burden on the healthcare system and economy. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in the country is estimated to be around 7.5%, with an estimated 13.8 million people living with the infection. This high prevalence is attributed to various factors, including unsafe blood transfusions, contaminated medical equipment, and intravenous drug use. 4. Given the context of Pakistan, addressing the Hepatitis epidemic requires a comprehensive approach of expanding access to healthcare services, reducing treatment costs, raising awareness, strengthening healthcare systems, and addressing social determinants of health. By implementing these strategies, Pakistan plans to significantly progress towards eliminating Hepatitis and improving the health and well-being of its citizens. 5. The Government of Pakistan has launched Prime Minister's Program for the Elimination of Hepatitis C allocating US$ 250 million in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. The project provides entirely free screening, diagnosis, and treatment. To ensure effective oversight and accountability, Prime Minister himself is leading the National Task Force, which oversees the program's progress and provide strategic direction. This National Task Force comprises of distinguished group of international and national experts, including leading public health experts, clinicians, researchers, and government officials. 6. To achieve the Project goals, we are actively working to enhance technical capacity by collaborating with international experts, expand access to diagnostics and treatment through collaborative procurement, foster knowledge exchange by sharing data and best practices, address the stigma and discrimination associated with hepatitis, and strengthen regional cooperation to address this global health challenge and advocate for regional initiatives to address hepatitis, particularly in South Asia. 7. In addition, Public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate people about prevention and treatment. Vaccination against Hepatitis is included in the national immunization program and is provided to children to protect them from infection. Screening programs are also being expanded to identify infected individuals and connect them with appropriate medical care. In recent years, the availability of effective antiviral medicines has improved treatment outcomes, particularly for Hepatitis C, which can often be cured with modern medications. 8. To fight against the disease and provide relief to the people which they deserve, we need to: i. First, provide adequate financing and debt relief to developing countries as they build robust health care systems; ii. Second, medical technology transfer including diagnostics and data sharing to encourage local production to reduce associated costs. iii. Third, revive multilateral spirit as infections know no borders and no individual country can end an infection alone. 9. In the end, I would like to reiterate that Pakistan is committed to playing a leading role in the global fight against hepatitis. To accelerate our progress towards hepatitis elimination, we are actively exploring opportunities for partnerships to scale up the program, learn from best practices from around the world and keep this endeavour on a priority agenda. By working together, we believe that we can achieve our goal of a Hepatitis free world. I thank you. @GlobalHep #hepatitis #UNGroupofFriends #SDGs #GlobalGoals #PublicHealth #HCV #HBV"