Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 01:
With the objective to create awareness among the people and to encourage early diagnosis, particularly those belonging to at-risk group, SASO observed World Hepatitis Awareness Day today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Priyokumar ART in-charge of JN Hospital observed that 90 percent of the intravenous drug users are vulnerable to hepatitis infection.
He informed that 16-18 percent of the HIV patients registered in JN Hospital for treatment were found co-infected with hepatitis.
Dr Priyokumar further lamented that there has been no proper documentation on the disease and its effects.
Echoing the same concern about lack of proper documentation and serious research work on hepatitis, Dr H Daimond also decried the absence of proper guideline for the State to tackle the problem of hepatitis.
SASO general secretary Arambam Arjun called upon the people to fight for their right to treatment to which they have been entitled to.
The World Hepatitis Awareness Day was also organised by the Manipur Intravenous League (MIVL) at its office premises today, informed an MIVL release.
The message of 'get tested' was the focus of the Hepatitis Awareness Day 2007 encouraging the public to assess their risk factors and seek diagnosis if they are at risk.
A group discussion on access to treatment was also held during the function, added the release.