Nida Ali

Physician & Epidemiologist | Global Health Specialist | Advancing #HepatitisElimination & #HealthDiplomacy

[Nida Ali @DrNidaAli]

For building national & global commitments for disease elimination, the unprecedented role of developed nations for advancing the agenda in UN can not be overlooked. We met representatives of Permanent Mission of France to the UN in NY & exchanged ideas on upcoming opportunities

[Radio Pakistan @RadioPakistan]

Pakistan Mission hosts strategic @UN briefing to build Momentum for Global #Hepatitis Elimination
@PakistanUN_NY #RadioPakistan #news
https://t.co/aEogt31KV1

[Nida Ali @DrNidaAli]

Pakistan pushes for global action against hepatitis amid alarming WHO findings https://t.co/I4T7yFSS6r

[Dawn.com @dawn_com]

WHO report identifies Pakistan as the largest contributor to the global population living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

https://t.co/DnY1wQO2XW

[Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanUN_NY]

A quick look at the Strategic Diplomatic Briefing and Consultation co-hosted by the Pakistan Mission and the Secretariat of the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis on the theme “Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: Building Momentum toward High-Level Political Action"

Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan, delivered opening remarks in the briefing. He shared with the participants the government's strategy to stem and reduce the spread of hepatitis.

Dr. John Ward, Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, threw light on the current global burden of viral hepatitis, recent political developments, and opportunities for strengthening international action toward elimination of hepatitis.

@GlobalHep
@PakistanPR_UN
@Asimiahmad
@usmanjadoon_fsp

[Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanUN_NY]

Participants pose for a group photograph following the Strategic Diplomatic Briefing and Consultation convened by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in collaboration with the Secretariat of the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis on the theme “Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: Building Momentum toward High-Level Political Action.”

@GlobalHep
@PakistanPR_UN
@Asimiahmad

[Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination @GlobalHep]

🌍🤝 Momentum is building for hepatitis elimination.

On the sidelines of the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, Member States, UN agencies & partners came together to advance hepatitis on the global political agenda and accelerate 2030 targets.

🔗https://t.co/K4g9owBvZS

[Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanUN_NY]

Remarks by Ambassador Usman Jadoon,
Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan,
At the side event on Advancing Hepatitis Elimination: Building Momentum towards High Level Political Action
(24 June 2026)
********

Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues,

It is an honor for us to co-host this important event in collaboration with the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis and The Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination. Let me formally welcome you all at Pakistan Mission.

2. Hepatitis is a devastating global health scourge, ranking as the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, viral hepatitis claims 1.34 million lives every single year. These alarming figures call for a collective and measured global response based on the principle of shared responsibility.

3. Hepatitis is a serious health challenge in Pakistan that affects millions of people and places a heavy burden on the healthcare system and economy. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in the country is estimated to be around 7.5%, with an estimated 13.8 million people living with the infection. This high prevalence is attributed to various factors, including unsafe blood transfusions, contaminated medical equipment, and intravenous drug use.

4. Given the context of Pakistan, addressing the Hepatitis epidemic requires a comprehensive approach of expanding access to healthcare services, reducing treatment costs, raising awareness, strengthening healthcare systems, and addressing social determinants of health. By implementing these strategies, Pakistan plans to significantly progress towards eliminating Hepatitis and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

5. The Government of Pakistan has launched Prime Minister's Program for the Elimination of Hepatitis C allocating US$ 250 million in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. The project provides entirely free screening, diagnosis, and treatment. To ensure effective oversight and accountability, Prime Minister himself is leading the National Task Force, which oversees the program's progress and provide strategic direction. This National Task Force comprises of distinguished group of international and national experts, including leading public health experts, clinicians, researchers, and government officials.

6. To achieve the Project goals, we are actively working to enhance technical capacity by collaborating with international experts, expand access to diagnostics and treatment through collaborative procurement, foster knowledge exchange by sharing data and best practices, address the stigma and discrimination associated with hepatitis, and strengthen regional cooperation to address this global health challenge and advocate for regional initiatives to address hepatitis, particularly in South Asia.

7. In addition, Public awareness campaigns are conducted to educate people about prevention and treatment. Vaccination against Hepatitis is included in the national immunization program and is provided to children to protect them from infection. Screening programs are also being expanded to identify infected individuals and connect them with appropriate medical care. In recent years, the availability of effective antiviral medicines has improved treatment outcomes, particularly for Hepatitis C, which can often be cured with modern medications.

8. To fight against the disease and provide relief to the people which they deserve, we need to:

i. First, provide adequate financing and debt relief to developing countries as they build robust health care systems;

ii. Second, medical technology transfer including diagnostics and data sharing to encourage local production to reduce associated costs.

iii. Third, revive multilateral spirit as infections know no borders and no individual country can end an infection alone.

9. In the end, I would like to reiterate that Pakistan is committed to playing a leading role in the global fight against hepatitis. To accelerate our progress towards hepatitis elimination, we are actively exploring opportunities for partnerships to scale up the program, learn from best practices from around the world and keep this endeavour on a priority agenda. By working together, we believe that we can achieve our goal of a Hepatitis free world.

I thank you.

@GlobalHep
#hepatitis
#UNGroupofFriends
#SDGs
#GlobalGoals
#PublicHealth
#HCV #HBV

[Tereza Kasaeva @TerezaKasaeva]

A full house & interactive discussions at #UN high-level side event, “Accelerating progress towards ending #HIV, #TB, #Hepatitis and #STIs: New approaches to end major epidemics,” convened by @WHO in collaboration with Brazil, Indonesia, @UNDP & @UNICEF in New York. #HLM2026AIDS

[Nida Ali @DrNidaAli]

I'd be speaking at the High-Level Political Forum's Side Event on July 9. Organised by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Scan the QR code to register, or follow the link:
https://t.co/lOIzkyvMB3

[Nida Ali @DrNidaAli]

I want to thank all the 26 countries' Ministries of Health for answering our call for convening the Member States to elevate Hepatitis Elimination on the Global Political Agenda and to the Ministries of Health of co-sponsor Member States to endorse the Ministerial Statement.

[Egypt’s Former PR to the UN in NY @EgyptPRNewYork]

I noted #Egypt's efforts to end #HepatitisC through H.E. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's initiative ‘100 Million Healthy Lives: Eliminating Hepatitis C & other NCDs’ & I was pleased to hear Dr. Mohamed Hassany, Assistant Minister @mohpegypt's presentation on our achievements.

[Tereza Kasaeva @TerezaKasaeva]

Pleased to co-chair #WHA79 Ministerial side event on elevating hepatitis elimination on the global political agenda, organized by Cameroon together with Brazil, Uganda, Pakistan, Malaysia, Egypt, Spain,Ghana, the African Union & the @GlobalHep. 💪 commitment #HepatitisElimination

[Nida Ali @DrNidaAli]

Tune in on May 28

[Chennai Liver Foundation @chennailiverfdn]

Join Dr. Nida Ali, Director of Government Affairs at the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, for a PRISM Talks session on advancing your career in public and global health.

Register Now:
https://t.co/Urfnxef12Z

🎓 E-certificates will be awarded to participants!

[Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination @GlobalHep]

Photo Mail from World Hepatitis Summit 2026 📧

#WHS2026 has launched in Bangkok—uniting the global community with to reach 2030 elimination goals.

CGHE is engaged across key events, from the WHO Global Hepatitis Report launch to sessions on PMTCT, integrated testing & more.

[Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network @PakUSAlumni]

From Pakistan’s frontline health response to global diplomacy at the UN , @DrNidaAli #Freedom250 story highlights leadership shaped by a U.S. exchange experience. Read more here: https://t.co/Pu79Zh40zI

[ACANU @ACANU_Geneva]

#Hepatitis @WHOAFRO @MinsanteCMR
ACANU hosted the minister of #health of #Cameroon, @DrManaouda, who outlined his country's initiative to take global leadership on viral hepatitis including plans to present a resolution on its elimination at the @WHO Assembly in 2027.

[Nida Ali @DrNidaAli]

It humbles me to share the growth and success of the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis. The largest gathering of Diplomats, Elected Leaders, Ministers of Health, Directors and CEOs from multilateral agencies, coming together to support one cause "Eliminating Hepatitis".

[Ministry of Health Eswatini @MoH_Eswatini]

Yesterday Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula attended his first meeting on the margins of the UNGA80, New York. The meeting is organized by the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis under the theme "Global Diplomacy to eliminate Hepatitis, a growing coalition".

[Debbie Shawcross @DebbieShawcros1]

Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala Director of the WHO Western Pacific reminds us that:

“Health is a political choice”.

#UNGA2025
#UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis
@Inst_of_Liver
@WHO
@EASLnews @EASLedu
@AASLDtweets

[Guinea Salud @GuineaSalud]

🇬🇶 El Ministro de Sanidad de Guinea Ecuatorial ha participado en el evento de alto nivel del *UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis*, reafirmando el compromiso del país en la lucha contra esta enfermedad a nivel global. #SaludParaTodos #GuineaEcuatorial #UNHepatitis