[ad_1]
On this World Hepatitis Day in 2019, we must know all the most common types of hepatitis that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Fortunately, the time has come to raise awareness and focus on the adoption of aggressive measures to combat the disease. In 2019, Pakistan is the host country for World Hepatitis Day.
According to official statistics from the World Health Organization, "viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide, causing 1.4 million deaths annually. It is the second most deadly infectious disease after tuberculosis, and the hepatitis virus is nine times more prevalent than that of HIV. Hepatitis is preventable, treatable and, in the case of hepatitis C, curable. However, more than 80% of people living with hepatitis lack prevention, screening and treatment services.
In 2019, we saw a large number of patients with hepatitis A and E reach an alarming proportion in Pakistan. While with better technologies and improved economic growth, hepatitis-transmitted hepatitis viruses should have been declining, unfortunately, it's exactly the opposite. Therefore, particular importance should be attached to preventing the spread of these viruses through various preventive measures. If people are affected by these viruses, they should inform clinicians experienced in the treatment of these viruses and trained in the detection and treatment of acute liver failure that may occur during these infections.
While chronic viruses, namely hepatitis B, C and D, cause chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, its complications and hepatocellular carcinoma, the new drugs have provided a highly effective treatment with minimal secondary. In Pakistan, there are today in Pakistan pan-genotypic hepatitis C diets that give cure rates close to 99%, with an excellent safety profile and little or no disease. Side effects. Similarly, with tenofovir alafenamide introduced in Pakistan, we have again added to another list of excellent drugs with little or no side effects and high tolerance to hepatitis B.
However, much remains to be done. People must be educated to treat hepatitis B, C and D before they affect the liver. We must also do a lot to ensure liver transplant centers are performing well in Pakistan. We must also teach people to seek treatment from doctors for all types of hepatitis instead of going into quacks, hakims and spiritual healers. At the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Cancer Research Center (SKMCH & RC), during screening, we found a large number of patients with and without cancer with hepatitis A and E in almost all our clinics. It is also alarming that there is no demographic distinction in this regard. This disease also affects people even chic neighborhoods and economic backgrounds. To treat this group of cancer patients with hepatitis at SKMCH & RC, we have the latest knowledge in diagnosis and treatment. facilities. The Pathology Lab Shaukat Khanum is one of the largest and most sophisticated facilities in the country, using state-of-the-art equipment for all tests,
On this hepatitis day, I would like to focus on safe water consumption, hygienic food consumption, hand washing, sanitation and hepatitis A vaccination to prevent hepatitis A and E, as well as isolation of affected patients to prevent its spread. For hepatitis B, C and D we should avoid excessive injections, transfusions, venipuncture, dental procedures, cosmetic procedures involving instrument sharing, proper disposal of syringes, etc. If necessary, we must ensure proper sterilization of all instruments used. We must also get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
With that, I end with prayers for your long and healthy life. As doctors, let's try to find the millions of missing people and provide them with the medical care they deserve.
The writer is gastroenterologist consultant Locum, Shaukat Khanum Hospital
Source link
