Pakistan Tops World in Hepatitis C Patients

While 12.9 million are infected with hepatitis B or C, with the country ranking among the top 10 in the world for hepatitis C-related deaths, according to figures presented by the Ministry of National Health Services in the National Assembly on Friday.

Key points

• While screening rose from 37, 944 in 2020 to 374, 000 in 2025, annual HIV cases rose from around 16, 000 in 2010 to 48, 000 in 2024.
• Hepatitis causes around 48, 000 deaths annually in Pakistan, with more than 88, 000 new hepatitis C infections recorded in 2024.
• Almost 3, 900 children were registered as HIV-positive between January 2025 and June 2026.
• Although only 92, 148 have been registered, the ministry informed the National Assembly that more than 417, 000 individuals in Pakistan are estimated to be living with HIV.
• Only 1, 050 psychiatrists are registered nationwide, leaving Pakistan with just one psychiatrist for more than 245, 000 individuals.

According to The ministry additionally, more than 417, 000 individuals in the country are living with HIV, including around 3, 900 registered children, highlighting the growing public health challenges facing Pakistan.

Notably, the number of individuals suffering from mental health disorders climbed from 30 million in 2019 to 32.4 million in 2023, a rise of 2.4 million over four years. While the country faces a serious shortage of qualified psychiatrists, islamabad alone has more than 300, 000 individuals experiencing mental health disorders. HIV Cases in Pakistan Triple.

Only 1, 050 psychiatrists are registered nationwide, leaving Pakistan with just one psychiatrist for more than 245, 000 individuals. Punjab has 406 registered psychiatrists, followed by Sindh with 228, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 122 and Balochistan with 44.

On hepatitis, the ministry's report identified Pakistan as the country with the world's highest number of hepatitis C patients. While more than 3.86 million are living with hepatitis B – a combined total exceeding 12.9 million, according to WHO estimates cited in the report, around nine million individuals in Pakistan are infected with hepatitis C.

Although only 92, 148 have been registered, the ministry informed the National Assembly that more than 417, 000 individuals in Pakistan are estimated to be living with HIV. Of those, 67, 878 are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

While screening rose from 37, 944 in 2020 to 374, 000 in 2025, annual HIV cases rose from around 16, 000 in 2010 to 48, 000 in 2024. CM Punjab Announces Extra Rs. 5 Billion for Stroke Treatment.

Almost 3, 900 children were registered as HIV-positive between January 2025 and June 2026. Sindh accounted for the highest number with 1, 915 registered children, followed by Punjab with 1, 765. While Islamabad recorded 30, Azad Jammu and Kashmir four and Gilgit-Baltistan one, khyber Pakhtunkhwa documented 139 cases and Balochistan 46. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan Tops World in Hepatitis C Patients point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.