Pakistan is undertaking a major public health effort to eliminate hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), aiming to screen and treat the entire population for HCV by 2030. Sindh province, which has one of the highest hepatitis burdens in the country, is a key focus of this initiative. Within Sindh, Khairpur District has particularly high prevalence rates, making it an ideal location to pilot a micro-elimination project. To support this national objective, IGH is targeting two union councils in Khairpur, Bapho and Deh Soho, with a combined population of 62,500. By demonstrating an effective, localized approach, this program will inform larger-scale efforts across Pakistan.
With the support of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Viral Hepatitis (CDC/DVH) and the Sindh Health Department, IGH will increase public awareness, expand screening, improve linkage to care, pilot an electronic medical records (EMR) system, and generate evidence and recommendations to support a nationwide hepatitis elimination strategy.
Community mobilization will be a key component of the project. Over four months, trained community health workers (CHWs) will conduct awareness campaigns, distribute educational materials, and engage local leaders to encourage participation. Additionally, cell phone messaging will be used to extend outreach. Following this, local Lady Health Workers (LHWs) will visit households to conduct door-to-door screening using rapid tests. Individuals with positive results will have their information entered into the EMR system, which will automatically generate alerts for follow-up testing and treatment.
Confirmatory blood samples will be collected and tested at designated laboratories, with results available within 15 to 20 days. Patients diagnosed with active HCV will receive direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, while those with HBV will be monitored and treated based on national guidelines. The EMR system will track each patient’s progress, ensuring seamless follow-up and improving data collection for future expansion.
The project’s findings will be shared with provincial and national health authorities, with results disseminated through reports, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications. By piloting a structured, technology-driven approach, this initiative will provide a scalable model to help Pakistan achieve its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.