Discourse on strengthening HBV services held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 28 2022: A day-long state level consultation held at Classic Hotel here on Tuesday dissected the options for strengthening HBV related services under National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) with the objective to achieve the global target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.The consultation titled 'Exploring the scope of strengthening awareness, screening, vaccination, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis - B in the state' was organised by Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) with support from Gilead Sciences.

Representatives from various stakeholders including directorate of health services, social welfare department, Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), TREAT Asia/amfAR Bangkok, Model Treatment Centre RIMS and JNIMS, NGOs implementing targeted intervention program under MSACS, MACS Partner NGO Forum, Committee on Suitable Guideline for Non-funded Private Rehabilitation Centre and others attended the programme.

According to a statement of CoNE, state mission director of National Health Mission (NHM) Dr Somorjit Ningombam spoke on the topic 'National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) implementation in the context of Manipur'; Giten Khwairakpam of TREAT Asia/amfAR Bangkok presented a power-point presentation on 'Overview of Viral Hepatitis - Global scenario; with special emphasis on Viral Hepatitis B'; state nodal officer of NVHCP Dr RK Rosie shared an update on 'State Viral Hepatitis Control Program with special emphasis on Hepatitis B'; while MSACS deputy director Abhiram Mongjam elaborated on 'Role of MSACS in strengthening NVHCP in Manipur through raising awareness & linking people'.

Regional coordinator of Regional Institute, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) Dr Y Manihar, who was also present at the consultation, shared his experience on the issues and challenges faced while conducting screening of viral diseases including HCV and HBV among the high-risk groups.

Later during the discussion session moderated by CoNE project coordinator DC Rimunchung, a number of recommendations were adopted which include - to provide necessary support to NVHCP in conducting awareness, screening, diagnosis, vaccination and treatment of HBV by stake holders and representatives from NVHCP while assuring to consider the feedback and suggestion provided by the participants of the consultation and put up to the higher authority.

The gathering also agreed to hold coordination meeting on a regular basis to bring out any issues and challenges.

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