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World Hepatitis day observed at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation

29 July 2018

There are mainly 5 types of Hepatitis: A, B C, D, E. These 5 types of viral diseases have become the greatest concern for mankind with B and C becoming the major health challenges affecting 325 million people globally.

Infections of hepatitis C are 83 per cent more prevalent among people living in north India, says a report from SRL Diagnostics.

Hepatitis B infection is diagnosed based on the above symptoms and blood tests, which indicate abnormal liver function.

Criticism of the government's reluctance to include vaccination for Hepatitis B in the infant immunisation program had till recently fallen on deaf ears.

World Health Organization said estimated 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus infection, and in 2015, hepatitis B resulted in 887,000 annual deaths, mostly from complications - including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis can affect anyone and is the cause of thousands of deaths a day worldwide.

Urgent increase in hepatitis testing and treatment needed

In addition, maintaining hygeine, avoiding roadside food and beverage, being carefull in salons and tatoo parlours for avoiding infections, washing hands can help protect us from hepatitis, the experts suggested.

"Highly effective recombinant vaccines are now available". Around 1.34 million deaths occur every year due to viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis C is a serious and significant liver disease which can lead to life-threatening consequences. Ninety percent or more of newborns should meanwhile receive the hepatitis B vaccine's birth dose, while at least 95 per cent of children should complete the vaccine's three-dose schedule. Reuse of injection and unsafe injection practices adds to the risk of acquiring both Hepatitis B and C in medical settings.

"Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year, which is more than that caused by HIV/AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis". It may also be given to neonates who are at increased risk of contracting Hepatitis B i.e. whose mothers are HBsAg and HBeAg positive.

To mark World Hepatitis Day 2018, WHO is holding several events with the Government of Mongolia, a country that is heavily burdened by hepatitis but also a champion in the global fight.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is touting the newly created state Hepatitis C Elimination Task Force as the nation's first strategy to eliminate the viral infection being exacerbated by the ongoing opioid epidemic. One of the things we are trying to get people to do is get the test, so they are aware of their status and get treated if they have it. As common as hepatitis C is, it's also known as a silent killer because it's a liver disease that rarely comes with a warning and symptoms often don't appear until the liver is severely damaged.