Blessing Okorite, Port Harcourt
Report has revealed that over 1.4miilion persons die yearly of a chronic disease called Hepatitis across the globe.
This was disclosed yesterday during a briefing to mark World Hepatitis Day held in Port Harcourt.Hepatitis is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids.
In her speech, Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Health, Mrs Caroline Wali, noted that 325 million people worldwide are affected by the viral hepatitis, stressing that the disease has become a burden to human race.
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According to Mrs Wali, Nigeria has a high prevalence level of Hepatitis, which she said ignorant has led to so many deaths, adding that regular check on state of health will reduce the commonness of the disease in the society.
She said: “World Hepatitis Day (WHD) takes places every year on 28 July under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.
“The theme for this year 2019 is “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”. Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide causing 1.4 million deaths a year. It is the second major killer infectious disease after tuberculosis, and 9 times more people are infected with hepatitis than HIV.
“Our country, Nigeria bears a huge burden of viral hepatitis with a prevalence of 11% for Hepatitis B and 2% for Hepatitis C translating to an estimated 19.8 million and 3.9 million people respectively”.
She explained that unlike Ebola, Hepatitis cannot be transmitted through coughing, shaking hands, sneezing or sharing of eating utensils.
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“Viral Hepatitis cannot be spread through shaking hands, sneezing, coughing or sharing eating utensils. It may not show symptoms for years or decades so timely testing and treatment can save lives. Though Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable, however, over 80% of people living with hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment services.
“Hepatitis B and C are preventable. Hepatitis B vaccine provides lifelong protection and this vaccination is available in both public and private health facilities in the state. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by sex; therefore it is essential to protect yourself by using condoms”.
Advising further, she stated “Please ensure you get tested! Early testing means early treatment can be commenced to prevent illness and to save your life. If you tested positive, ask whether you need treatment – do not delay. Some people will need treatment and can stay healthy with life-long therapy. You can be strong by ensuring you get treated or cured from hepatitis.
“A 3-month treatment course can cure the infection. I hereby encourage the good people of Rivers State to come forward to access hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment services available in all public health facilities in the state”.
