In August 2022, a cooperative arrangement was formalized with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), to conduct Hepatitis C screening camps at SACHET Community Health Centers.
The prevalence of viral hepatitis C in Pakistan is among the highest in the world. According to National Hepatitis Survey, around 8 million people in Pakistan are HCV positive.
According to WHO estimates, 170 million people have chronic HCV globally. An estimated 366,000 people die each year from hepatitis ‘C’. One of the leading causes of infectious disease morbidity and mortality is Hepatitis ‘C’ Virus (HCV).
SACHET-Pakistan organized its second Free Hepatitis C’ screening camp with the collaboration of Aga Khan University Hospital. The camp was held on Thursday, 20th October 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SACHET Clinic Gagri, Japan Road, Sihala, Islamabad.
The free Hepatitis-C Screening Camp was aimed:
- To provide free screening of Hepatitis C’ Virus (HCV) among community members (age 18 and above) of Gagri and surrounding areas.
- To provide specialized post-screening diagnostics and affordable/free treatment through Aga Khan University Hospital.
Medical camp organizing team of SACHET under the supervision of Mr. Rooken Zaman (Manager PSU), and SACHET Clinic Gagri team headed by Dr. Rehana Hidayat initiated information campaign among the resident of Gagri and surrounding areas two weeks prior to the camp. Leaflets, banners and loudspeaker announcements in mosques had previously been made to announce the free Hepatitis C screening camp.
Medical team of Aga Khan University Hospital arrived at SACHET Clinic Gagri at around 10:00 a.m. Camp specific responsibilities were pre-assigned and separate desks were set up for registration, screening and specialist consultation.
The medical team of Aga Khan University Hospital provided following free services to the patients at the camp:
- Screening through rapid test of HCV.
- Individual Counselling and awareness.
- Final Examination and Consultation by the Specialist Doctor.
Summary of people screened during the Camp:
| S. No | Description | Number of patients |
| 1 | Total Number of persons screened | 170 |
| 2 | Total Number of persons with Positive HCV | 17 |
| 3 | Total Number of persons with Negative result | 153 |
| 4 | Total Number of Male patients screened | 84 |
| 5 | Total Number of Female patients screened | 86 |
| 6 | HCV Positive (Male) | 10 |
| 7 | HCV Positive (Female) | 7 |