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Lahore – Like everywhere in the world, Hepatitis Day is celebrated throughout the country. Calling to redouble efforts to combat hepatitis, the Shaukat Khanum press cell released statistics on the eve of the day of hepatitis.
Citing www.hepatitisday.org, www.cancerresearchuk.org, National Hepatitis Strategic Framework for Pakistan 2017-2021 and the report of the Shaukat Khanum 2018 Collective Cancer Registry, statistics show that 325 million people in the world world live with hepatitis B and C, potentially life-threatening disease.
The report said: "The eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) is very affected by diseases related to hepatitis B (17.5 million) and C (16 million). Unfortunately, Egypt and Pakistan bear almost 80% of the disease burden. Hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death in the world, making 4,000 deaths a day. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) become chronic in approximately 80% of patients and therefore contribute to morbidity and mortality. For those who have been suffering from hepatitis B and hepatitis C for a long time, these viruses can cause liver cancer. According to the latest report from the Shaukat Khanum Joint Cancer Registry, liver cancer is among the top 5 most common cancers seen in adults at its facilities since 1994. "
In Pakistan, 86% of people with HBV or HCV are unaware
"It is tragic that 290 million people out of 325 (9 out of 10 worldwide) do not know they are living with viral hepatitis. In Pakistan, 86% of people with HBV or HCV are unaware of their infection, its consequences and the risk of transmitting the disease to their partner and their family. This is the case because, first, there are very few recognizable signs and symptoms of chronic hepatitis. You could have acquired it during the birth of your mother or by unsafe injection practices, sharing a razor or contact with infected blood. Secondly, this disease is prevalent in a developing country like Pakistan, lacking an adequate health system. where there is no effective pregnancy screening program or effective mechanism to ensure that all babies are vaccinated against HBV. "
However, the cell said the situation was not entirely bleak. A timely diagnosis can save lives. Hepatitis C treatments, vaccines and treatment for hepatitis B are available. All WHO Member States have pledged to reduce by 65% the number of deaths related to hepatitis and to reduce by 90% the number of new infections by 2030, making the Global elimination of viral hepatitis a realistic goal. . To achieve this, a crucial step is to trace the millions of missing people with the dedicated efforts of all actors, including health professionals, patients, the media and policymakers. Admitted to the NHSF for Pakistan 2017-2021, the very basic hepatitis surveillance system relies only on inadequate federal and provincial data. A responsible citizen can play a role in the fight against hepatitis by encouraging screening and vaccination.
To mark the day, commit yourself to be examined by a reputed pathology laboratory.
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