Do you know your hepatitis status? WHO seeks urgent interventions

Although so many people are ignorant of the disease, but the fact remains that more than 1.4 million lives are lost annually around the globe particularly from hepatitis B and C. According to a release from the World Health Organisation (WHO) today, there is the need for countries, stakeholders and the public to act fast in stemming up awareness campaign against the virus.

The statement which described viral hepatitis as the cause of acute and chronic liver diseases, noted that the transmission of this virus can be prevented through better awareness and services that improve vaccinations, blood and injection safety, and reduce harm.

This year’s campaign themed:” Prevent hepatitis – know the risks”, has the implication for all and sundry to be his/her brother’s keeper by being mindful of not sharing sharp objects –razor blade, syringe, clipper, etc, with others.

A member of the Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) Lagos branch, Dr.Hameed Oladipupo, said Hepatitis virus is transmitted through contact with body fluids e.g. unprotected sex with an infected person and sharing of infected needles or other sharp objects that can break the skin. In addition, babies born to an infected mother have a 90 to 95 per cent chance of contracting Hepatitis B virus (HBV) during childbirth. Fortunately, babies born in Nigeria receive Hepatitis vaccines that protect them from developing full-blown Hepatitis as adults.

He further noted that the biggest obstacle confronting Hepatitis treatment in Nigeria is not the virulence of the disease virus or even the spread of the disease but a lack of awareness among Nigerians of the importance of discovering their Hepatitis status. There is also the issue of not knowing what to do, where to go to, and who to see, when it comes to hepatitis. These anomalies are worrisome; even though they are the least government could do, in ensuring effective Hepatitis B control.

It is the responsibility of first, health care practitioners on the need for proper screening of blood and other injectables before administering to patients. Infected persons must also ensure they steer clear from casual sex or other means of spreading the disease to others. While you and I must take the awareness to the nooks and crannies of our society to put a stop gap to the disease.