World Hepatitis Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27 2019:
World Hepatitis Day 2019 was observed today at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) under the theme "Invest in Eliminating Hepatitis".
The programme, jointly organised by Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, JNIMS and Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), was graced by Education Minister Th Radheshyam, JNIMS Director Th Bhimo Singh, JNIMS Medical Superintendent Professor N Jitendra and Department of Medicine, JNIMS, Head K Ghanachandra, as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Speaking at the function, Minister Radheshyam noted that health related issues are also among the many issues that pose threat to the Manipuri society nowadays.
Further stating that there is an urgent need for creating awareness on Hepatitis B and C due to the estimated high prevalence of the diseases in the State, the Minister also underscored the importance for conducting in-depth research concerning the aspects of the diseases so as to identify which parts of the State, which age group and sex are more affected by the disease.
Pointing out that HBV and HCV transmission is mostly caused by unsafe sex and consumption of alcohol, he asked all to abstain from any high risk behaviour to prevent infection.
Radheshyam also urged all to involve in fighting against the threat posed by deadly diseases like HCV and HIV, in the State saying that the State will not progress and develop if it is besieged by health related issues.
On the other hand, Bhimo called for collective efforts of the society toward containing the menace of viral hepatitis in the State and globally to fulfil this year's theme of World Hepatitis Day.
He also asked to build a self-disciplined society to prevent from indulging in any high risk behaviour which could aid in transmitting viral hepatitis from infected population to non-infected population.
The Director then urged all to come out for viral hepatitis screening if they have any suspicion regarding their status while informing that free screening, diagnosis and treatment can be availed under National Viral Hepatitis Programme (NVHCP) which will also be opened at JNIMS once it is rolled out in the State.
JNIMS Assistant Professor and Gastroenterologist N Surajkumar said that hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous and life threatening, although there are other types of hepatitis as well.
Considering the rise of viral Hepatitis B and C infection globally, people give more emphasis to these two types, he said adding that around 325 million people are infected by these viruses and a large chunk of the population dies every year in the world.
Maximum people who have been infected by the viruses do not know it themselves, he informed.
Stating about the advancement of medical science to deal with these viral infections that directly damage the liver, he said that hepatitis B infection is preventable through vaccination, whereas hepatitis C infection is curable through antiviral medication.
However, the most important thing is regular testing.
"Frequent testing helps to identify the missing millions which are infected by these highly contagious viral diseases for early diagnosis", he suggested.
He further informed that National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), which was launched last year, will be launched in the State tomorrow.
This initiative is being taken up taking into account the high prevalence rate of HCV and HBV infection in the State.
Under this programme, medicine will be made available to HCV infected persons free of cost.
CoNE president RK Nalinikanta appealed to people of the State to stop discriminating and stigmatising people affected by HCV and HBV.
The role of healthcare professionals, NGOs working for drug related issues, media and general public in stopping discrimination and stigmatization of people infected with viral Hepatitis, is very important in tackling this major health issue and identifying the persons infected with viral hepatitis.
It will be meaningless to implement NVHCP if the people fail to turn up and seek treatment under the programme owing to fear of social discrimination, he added.
Apart from conducting a motor cycle rally to spread awareness on viral hepatitis in different parts of the State and screening of short video films, HCV medicines were also distributed to some patients during the observation.