Pakistan has emerged as the world’s largest hub for hepatitis C infections, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2026, raising serious concerns about unsafe medical practices in the country. The report identifies Pakistan as the single biggest contributor to the global number of people living with hepatitis C and places it among the 10 countries with the highest hepatitis C-related deaths.

The report identifies Pakistan as the single biggest contributor to the global number of people living with hepatitis C and places it among the 10 countries with the highest hepatitis C-related deaths.

It notes that Pakistan “stands out clearly” as the largest contributor to global hepatitis C cases, ahead of India and China. Together, the three countries account for around 39 percent of the global burden.

Pakistan is also among the nations responsible for 58 percent of hepatitis C-related deaths in 2024, alongside China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, the United States, and Vietnam.

Health experts say unsafe injections remain a major driver of transmission in Pakistan. Unnecessary injections are still widely administered, often by unqualified practitioners, increasing the risk of spreading hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

The presence of banned reusable syringes and counterfeit safety syringes further worsens the situation.

The report also points to gaps in diagnosis and treatment as a key issue. Although hepatitis C can be cured with short-course antiviral therapy that is highly effective, access to testing and treatment remains limited in many parts of Pakistan.

Experts warn that without urgent action, the country risks continuing a cycle in which existing hepatitis C cases are treated while new infections keep emerging.

They stress the need for immediate measures, including mass screening programs, affordable treatment options, strict enforcement against unsafe syringes, improved regulation of injection practices, stronger blood safety systems, and decisive action against unqualified practitioners.

The WHO findings serve as a clear warning that without stronger control measures, Pakistan’s hepatitis C burden is likely to remain a major public health challenge.

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