World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year by World Health Organization and other alliance organisations with an aim to raise global awareness of hepatitis and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1-2 million people every year. These infections can be prevented, but most people don't know how. Hence prevention, diagnosis and treatment are most vital.
Nobel laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg had discovered the hepatitis-B virus and developed the first hepatitis-B vaccine.
Unsafe blood, unsafe injections, and sharing injection equipment can all result in hepatitis infection. Using sterile, single-use syringes can prevent these infections. Vaccinate children and others because a safe and effective vaccine can protect from hepatitis-B infection for life.
Safer sexual contact, suitable treatment, medicines and awareness about infection of hepatitis can be prevented through proven and effective interventions. It is important for everyone worldwide to be aware of hepatitis and to learn how to protect from being infected. Suitable methods should be taken during blood donation and transfusion.
Everyone should adopt suitable medical practice against Viral Hepatitis Vector. During pregnancy, viral Hepatitis test should be done. Easier methods of diagnosis and treatment should be taken. Everyone should be vaccinated so as to protect from viral hepatitis infection for life.
(Dr Sethi is senior consultant, Gastroenterologist & Hepatolgist, Apollo Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Mob: 9437556686, 8093060180)