The National Burden of Hepatitis C Among Blood Donors in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (1996-2024)

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health risk globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. Blood donors represent an important group for monitoring HCV prevalence, as they can unknowingly harbor and transmit the virus. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the burden of HCV among blood donors in Pakistan from 1996 to 2024, offering insight into the epidemiology and regional disparities in the prevalence of the virus.

Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines, incorporating studies from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PakMediNet, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies (n=122) reported primary data on HCV prevalence in blood donors across Pakistan. The pooled prevalence of HCV was estimated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity between studies was evaluated through I² statistics. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the robustness of findings, and time-series analyses identified trends in HCV prevalence across years.

Results: The meta-analysis revealed an overall HCV prevalence of 2.71% among blood donors in Pakistan, based on 8.88 million donations screened. Significant regional variations were observed, with Punjab showing the highest prevalence (3.94%) and Balochistan the lowest (0.87%). Screening practices varied across provinces, contributing to these differences. A time-series analysis indicated fluctuating trends over the years, with notable spikes in certain years.

Conclusion: HCV prevalence among blood donors highlights ongoing transmission risks, the need for enhanced screening protocols and implementation of blood safety regulations in Pakistan.