Hepatitis C Prevalence and Preventive Strategies in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To critically review the preventive strategies of Hepatitis C and its prevalence in Pakistan; and to find out any existing gap in health care delivery, so as to minimize the burden of this major health problem. Research Design and Methods: This study follows systemic review method and includes randomized control trial studies which focus on preventive strategies of Hepatitis C. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection were made and followed. Data’s were properly extracted and analyzed to minimize bias. Different data base was used including Google Chrome, Google, Pub Med, Cochrane Review using key words as Hepatitis C prevalence and prevention in Pakistan. Results: The results from Randomized control trials studies will compare the benefits in control and cases using risk reduction strategy, drug intervention and are expected to show huge benefits in cases group. Conclusion: Health education, access to ARVs at government Hospital, stop reusing of syringes, ANC visit for pregnant women, good governance decreases prevalence of hepatitis C. Introduction and background Hepatitis C virus is a small (55–65 nm in size), enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. Hepatitis C virus is the cause of hepatitis C and some cancers such as liver cancer (Ferri, Clodoveo 2015). Hepatitis C is liver infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (CDC, 2018). Approximately 75 to 80 % of who become infected with virus developed chronic infection, only 15 to 25 % who are infected with Hep c virus clear it from body (CDC, No date). Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to prepare or inject drugs. Before 1992, hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. After that, widespread screening of the blood supply in the United States virtually eliminated this source of infection (CDC, 2018). The hepatitis C virus is a blood borne virus and the most common modes of infection are through exposure to small quantities of blood. This may happen through injection drug use, unsafe injection practices, unsafe health care, and the transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products (WHO, 2017). Hepatitis C is found worldwide. Globally, an estimated 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C infection (WHO, 2017). Hep C virus is largely a blood-borne virus, with very low risk of sexual or vertical transmission, A number of cultural or ritual practices have been proposed as a potential historical mode of spread for hepatitis C virus, including circumcision, genital mutilation, ritual scarification, traditional tattooing and acupuncture. (Shepard, 2005). Hep C is endemic in Pakistan, according to national survey conducted in 2007-2008 Hep c prevalence is about 4.8% (Qureshi H,2010). There is significant connection between Hep C and reuse of syringes. These findings validate currently implemented strategies by the national program for the control of hepatitis viral infections, including widespread vaccination of newborns and high-risk groups, support of auto-disable syringes, promotion of infection control and patient safety, public health education, and management of needy Chronic liver disease patients as a poverty-reduction health intervention.