(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is continuing to raise awareness about preventing viral hepatitis, which is vital to achieving World Health Organisation";s (WHO) strategy of eliminating the disease by 2030.
Every July 28, HMC joins the world to observe World Hepatitis Day, raising the understanding of viral hepatitis and highlighting the importance of measures to prevent its spread. HMC ensures awareness activities addressing viral hepatitis are a step towards elimination, greater awareness, increased diagnosis and key interventions. Ongoing activities include vaccination, blood and injection safety, harm reduction and cutting-edge treatment.
HMC";s Infectious Diseases Unit Senior Consultant, Dr. Hussam Al Soub (pictured), said HMC is on the path towards eliminating viral hepatitis in Qatar. It has been implementing treatments with good results and there have been no recent major incidences in the country.
'Every child born in Qatar is vaccinated against hepatitis B as part of the government";s childhood immunization programme. Vaccination at birth is the reason for the marked decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B in countries that have implemented the vaccine,” said Dr. Al Soub.
Last year, WHO launched the first global health sector strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. It says the disease is an international public health challenge, comparable to other major communicable diseases, including human immuno-deficiency virus, tuberculosis and malaria. WHO describes viral hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection which affects millions of people worldwide and causes close to 1.4 million deaths a year.
WHO says the strategy addresses all five hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses, with a focus on hepatitis B and C owing to the relative public health burden they represent.
The strategy describes the health sector";s contribution to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. It promotes synergies between viral hepatitis and other health issues and aligns the hepatitis response with global health and development strategies, plans and targets.
Dr. Al Soub said viral hepatitis is caused by the five viruses. 'Viral hepatitis is considered a ‘silent killer";.” An infected person may show limited or no symptoms. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Dr. Al Soub said hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks. Hepatitis B and C can be contracted when a syringe is shared by more than one person to inject intravenous drugs.
'Hepatitis can also be caused by the transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products, especially in places where blood is not tested properly; through a mother to her child during pregnancy; and by sexual contact,” he said, adding people with hepatitis B can get infected with hepatitis D, resulting in more severe complications.
'If a person is infected with hepatitis A and E, the infection will most likely go away on its own and without ongoing liver disease. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer,” he said, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early detection of hepatitis. Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis, so that if they are infected, protective measures such as the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin can be given to the newborn. Otherwise, there is a 90 percent risk that the child will become infected.”
Dr. Al Soub advised people travelling to countries where viral hepatitis is prevalent to observe precautions such as getting vaccinated at Mesaimeer Health Centre. 'Other ways to avoid the disease are to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation in living areas, safe drinking water and properly cooked food. It is also advised to avoid food from street vendors,” he added.
The Peninsula