The District Health Authority Rawalpindi is embarking on a significant initiative to eliminate and prevent hepatitis B and C in the region. Commencing on Monday, this special project aims to screen a total of 100,000 individuals for hepatitis. Initially, the screening will focus on four union councils of Rawal Town. Those individuals who test positive for the infection will receive free treatment.

Introducing Local Hepatitis Elimination and Prevention (LHEAP) Project

The Local Hepatitis Elimination and Prevention (LHEAP) project is a targeted effort specifically designed for the population of Rawalpindi district. In collaboration with the Global Hepatitis Elimination Task Force, this initiative will initially cover four union councils in Rawal Town. The Director of the District Health Authority Rawalpindi, Dr. Anser Ishaq, revealed that upon completion of the project in these selected union councils, it may be expanded to encompass the entire district.

Phased Approach and Free Treatment for Hepatitis B and C

In the first phase of the project, the District Health Authority Rawalpindi aims to screen and test 10,000 individuals for hepatitis B and C in Union Council 10 of Rawal Town. This phase will take place from July 10 to 17. Subsequently, in the second phase, the population in union councils 11, 14, and 15 will be covered.

Under the LHEAP project in collaboration with the GHETF, door-to-door screening and testing will be carried out by the health department’s available staff during the first phase. Vaccinators and dispensers will be hired for the second phase. The testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C will be provided free of cost to the targeted population. The entire process will be supervised by medical specialists at the Municipal Medical Centre in Satellite Town, the Red Crescent Complex. Additionally, free PCR testing will be available at the institution’s laboratory for patients who test positive during screening.

Dr. Anser emphasized that initially, the LHEAP project will focus on 100,000 individuals residing in the four union councils. The primary objective is to eliminate hepatitis from this specific area in Rawal Town. Once achieved, the project will be extended to include other union councils within the Rawalpindi District.