Discourse stresses on skilling counsellors to curb Hep-B cases
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 16 2022:
With an aim to strengthen the skills and understanding of the counsellors engaged in privately run drug treatment centres on the mode of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission, its preventive measures and medications, a 2-day batch-wise orientation on 'Screening, Vaccination, Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis-B' was organised by Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) with support from Gilead-Sciences.
The orientation programme concluded at The Castle Hotel, Palace Com pound, Imphal East, here on Friday.
Counsellors engaged in drug treatment centres across the state are, in many cases, the first line counsellors, who are well positioned to talk to people about hepatitis B and the benefits of testing, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
They also have a strong role in minimising myths and misconceptions about hepatitis B & C, linkages for screening, vaccination, diagnosis and treatment among the high risk populations and even among the general populations and to reduce stigmatisation of people who use drugs (PUDs).
In addition, they are the sections of the society who will encourage the community people to come forward for testing and diagnosis.
The orientation programme discussed topics related to liver, viral hepa titis B, its prevention, testing, diagnosis, management, vaccination and treatment.
It also delved on the aspects of National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP).
Medical superintendent of JNIMS hospital Dr Khumukcham Lokeshwar was present as resource person/trainer during both the days of the workshop.
Dr Lokeshwar spoke on topics including - Causes, symptoms, and signs of liver disease; Natural history of Viral Hepatitis B; mode of transmission and preventive measures; testing and serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection; non-invasive markers of chronic liver disease; vaccination of new-borns, high risk groups and prophylaxis to prevent mother to child transmission.
Participants were made to understand the structures and basic functions of liver, different signs and symptoms causing liver diseases, mode of HBV transmission and its preventive measures.
They were also provided the opportunity to have a clear understanding of testing process, types of tests to understand the level of liver damage in addition to the importance of vaccination among different age groups, doses and schedules.
RK Nalinikanta, who was also present as one of the resource persons from the community, spoke on the topic 'Why should we be concerned about viral hepatitis' and on the aspects of the national programme so that the attending healthcare providers have a basic understanding on the global scenario on the burdens of viral hepatitis.
The programme was attended by 44 participants, which include counsellors and project coordinators of drug treatment centres located in main valley districts of the state.