Minister of State for National Health Services, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, has issued a stark warning that diseases like Hepatitis B and C are spreading primarily through contaminated water in various cities, a crisis compounded by a significant lack of public awareness that fuels vaccine hesitancy across the nation.
Addressing a ceremony in the capital today, Dr. Bharath identified the information deficit as a key problem affecting vaccine acceptance within society and impacting the country”s overall public health framework.
He highlighted that hesitance and poor understanding regarding immunization continue to undermine Pakistan”s health system, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable conditions.
While commending the Prime Minister”s efforts in launching the Hepatitis Elimination Programme, the minister expressed confidence that a focus on preventive measures could help successfully eradicate the disease.
Dr. Bharath also stressed that the objective of universal health coverage cannot be realized without the establishment of a strong and accessible primary healthcare system.
He concluded with an appeal to all sections of society, including academia, to play an active part in promoting widespread awareness about health and the prevention of diseases.