(MENAFN- The Peninsula) A number of awareness programmes will be held across the country today to mark World Hepatitis Day.
Events are being organised by the Supreme Council of Health together with Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Healthcare Corporation to educate people about prevention and symptoms of hepatitis.
Hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide and kills about 1.4 million every year. Most people with chronic Hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection, which puts them at a greater risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer which is life threatening.
This year the World Health Organization and its partners will urge policy-makers, health workers and the public to act now to prevent infection and death from hepatitis under the theme 'Prevent hepatitis. Act now.'
The incidence of hepatitis in Qatar is very low. Every newcomer to Qatar must undergo the tests at the Medical Commission to detect contagious diseases including hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Also, children are vaccinated for hepatitis B.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Just like tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, the inflation of the liver is called hepatitis. Hepatitis is commonly caused by a viral infection. There are different types of hepatitis depending on the virus that caused the inflammation - Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Among these, Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common.
Hepatitis A and E are most commonly transmitted through the faecal-oral route - ingestion of food and water contaminated by faecal matter.
Hepatitis B is transmitted by contact with infected blood and body fluids. Hepatitis C is also transmitted by blood. Sharing of needles is the main cause of Hepatitis C infection.
World Hepatitis Day is one of only eight designated health days endorsed by the World Health Organization as mandated by the World Health Assembly. Over 400 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B or C. Every year, 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitis. With better awareness, understanding and management many of these deaths can be prevented.
Personal hygiene like washing hands before eating is a key tool to prevent hepatitis A. Also, having hygienic food and drinking clean water and taking vaccination while travelling to a country where the prevalence of the disease is high will prevent the infection.
For hepatitis B, vaccination is important and it's highly recommended as soon as the child is born. There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C. The best way to prevent it is by reducing the risk of exposure such as sharing needles and contact with bodily fluids of a person infected with the virus.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.