What if the organ that quietly keeps you alive was being damaged for years without any warning signs? For millions of Pakistanis, this is not a “what if.” It is happening right now.
April 19th marks World Liver Day 2026, with the theme Solid Habits, Strong Liver. It reminds us that small, consistent daily choices can protect our liver from serious harm. In Pakistan, however, the biggest threat to liver health comes from viral hepatitis B and C — a silent epidemic affecting tens of millions.
The Scale of the Problem
Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Centre (PKLI&RC) and a key leader in the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme has been highlighting this issue for years. Speaking at international forums he has been clear:
“Pakistan is the country affected most in the world by Hepatitis-C.”
The numbers reflect that gravity. Nearly 10 million people are living with Hepatitis C, and around 5 million with Hepatitis B. In his official message as Chairman, Dr. Akhtar stated:
“Since inception, PKLI&RC’s priority has been the 10 million Hepatitis C and 5 million Hepatitis B patients in the country.”
These infections often show no symptoms until they cause serious damage — leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and the need for transplants.
Reason for Hope
Yet Dr. Akhtar remains hopeful and determined. He has said:
“The work has been started to control Hepatitis, and the institute (PKLI) is now functional.”
Under his leadership, PKLI has carried out a large number of successful liver and kidney transplants and continues to provide care often free or subsidised — to deserving patients. He has openly acknowledged the difficulties:
“In the backdrop of an ever-increasing and a huge number of patients having kidney and liver diseases, limited resources have always been one of the greatest challenges…”
And he has called for collective action: “Let us all join our hands together and pledge our support to the fight against inequalities and deficiencies in our country’s healthcare infrastructure so that we can significantly lessen the burden of disease, whether this is an ailment related to kidney and liver.”
Prevention Mission
The Solid Habits, Strong Liver theme supports PKLI’s mission perfectly. While the institute provides advanced treatment for those already affected, prevention through awareness and simple daily habits can stop many new cases.
Practical Prevention Tips
- Get screened for Hepatitis B and C ,early testing is simple and often available free or at low cost through PKLI, PKLI filter clinic and government programmes.
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B, especially for children and family members.
- Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce heavy fried foods, sugary drinks, and processed items.
- Stay physically active, even 30 minutes of daily walking helps.
- Practice safe habits: use only hygienic clinics for injections, dental work, or tattoos. Never share razors or toothbrushes.
- Go for regular health check-ups if you have risk factors or a family history of liver disease.
Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar’s dedicated leadership at PKLI shows that strong institutions combined with public awareness can bring real change.
This World Liver Day, let’s take the theme Solid Habits, Strong Liver to heart. Build better daily habits, support hepatitis screening and elimination efforts, and help protect our families and communities. A single conversation or screening test could save a life. Share this with your loved ones today.
Information and quotes based on official PKLI&RC statements and the official 2026 World Liver Day campaign.
