Day 26: One Small Question Can Help Prevent Hepatitis C

Before getting an injection, ask one simple question:

“Is this a new syringe?”

It may feel like a small thing to ask, but it can protect someone from a serious infection.

Hepatitis C spreads mostly through infected blood. In Pakistan, unsafe injections, reused syringes, unsafe blood transfusions, and unhygienic medical or dental tools have all played a major role in spreading hepatitis C.

Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar has also spoken about these risks. In a WHO feature story, he mentioned the “use of dirty syringes” and “failure to screen blood before transfusion” as some of the reasons hepatitis continues to spread.

This is why awareness matters. Many families do not know what to ask at clinics, hospitals, dental offices, or labs. But asking the right question at the right time can make a difference.

Before any injection, ask if the syringe is new.
If blood is needed, ask if it has been screened.
Try to choose trusted clinics, hospitals, and labs.
Avoid unnecessary injections when medicine by mouth can work.
Encourage your loved ones to get tested for hepatitis C.

This is not about fear. It is about being careful.

Hepatitis C is preventable, testable, and treatable. A small step today can protect a family member from a lifelong illness.

Let’s Break It Down:
Ask for a new syringe.
Use screened blood.
Choose safe care.
Get tested early.

Awareness saves lives.

Sources & Helpful Resources

World Health Organization — Hepatitis C Fact Sheet
World Health Organization

PKLI Filter Clinics
Official PKLI&RC resource page for information about PKLI Filter Clinics and related services. PKLI Filter Clinics