Workshop On Viral Hepatitis C: An Emerging Public Health & Social Problem
- Part 1 -

Aheibam Koireng *

Workshop On Viral Hepatitis C at Department of Anthropology, Manipur University on 28th December 2015

ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON VIRAL HEPATITIS C: AN EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH & SOCIAL PROBLEM
Orgd. by Centre for Manipur Studies (CMS), Manipur University (MU) & Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE)
Date: 28th December 2015, Venue: Conference Hall, Department of Anthropology, Manipur University

Coordinator, Dr. Sanasam Amal, CMS, MU

Background: Infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has also become a major health concern in the state of Manipur. The true extent of the epidemic is difficult to gauge because surveillance systems HCV are not in place neither in the country nor in the state and the need for treatment, also not well documented.

In the absence of official data from the government, independent studies carried out by researchers and medical professional shows an extensively alarming prevalence of HCV in the state particularly amongst the people who inject drugs (PWID). Some of the studies indicated prevalence rates of 92% in Imphal and 98% in Churachandpur.

Recently, a HCV serological survey was conducted by Community Network of Empowerment (CoNE) in partnership with Directorate of Health Services, Govt. of Manipur. The survey was conducted in all the nine districts of the state covering 1011 people. 45.9% (465) were tested HCV antibody positive. Unlike free HIV testing, HCV antibody testing are not available free of cost.

In Manipur, HCV antibody testing cost around Rs. 200 in government hospitals and Rs. 400 in private diagnostic centers. Many people cannot afford this cost and as a result HCV testing among the people is very low. Most testing and confirmations result as a result of other healthcare processes or accidental diagnosis.

However HCV antibody test is mandatory for People Living with HIV &AIDS (PLHIV) who wants to undergo Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) as per the guideline of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). The prevalence of HCV, among general communities who have undergone risk behavior like; surgical and dental operation, blood transfusion, tattooing etc., is relatively high, and this also cannot be ignored.

Lack of awareness about the mode of transmission and importance of early detection of HCV is also extremely low among the high risk group and general public as well.

Consequently, people are dying of a curable disease (HCV) related complications rather than HIV, which is an incurable disease. Despite of high prevalence of HCV, there are no specific national or state responses currently.

Situation of treatment in Manipur: Quality of existing HCV treatment facility now available in Manipur is comparatively better through private physicians, though government response is not available. The introduction of the new medications also known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has now made treatment easier to monitor, shorter duration and much higher cure rate.

The Manipur state illness assistance fund allows people below the poverty line to get reimbursement from the government for treatment of HCV using pegylated interferon upto a ceiling amount of 1,50,000 Rupees. However, pegylated interferon has high side effects and associated with longer treatment duration and lower cure rates. With the new DAAs available in the state now, these medications should also be enlisted in the list of medicines under the state assistance fund.

Programme Details: 10.30 AM – 11.15 AM: INUAGURAL SESSION

Introductory Speech by Vijaylakshmi Brara, Centre for Manipur Studies; Keynote address by R.K. Nalinikanta, CoNE; Speech by Chief Guest: Prof. H. Nandakumar Sarma,Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Manipur University (MU); Speech by President: Prof. M. Dhaneshwar Singh,Dean, School of Mathematical & Physical Science, Manipur University

1: 30 AM – 11.55 AM: 1st TECHNICAL SESSION

Moderator: Prof: N. Joykumar Singh, Former Director, CMS, MU.

Resource Persons: Global and local scenario of Hepatitis C and Public health implication by Dr. Kh. Sasheekumar Mangang, State Epidemiologist, Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur (GoM); Hepatitis C Treatment and management related issues by Dr. K. Romeo Singh, Gastroenterologist, Regional Institute of Medical Science; Economic burden and social implications of Hepatitis C by Hijam Dinesh CoNE representatives

2nd TECHNICAL SESSION (Discussion)

Moderator: Dr.Kh. Lokeshwar Singh, Associate Prof., Dept. of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, GoM.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPEECH

Chief Guest: Prof. H NK Sarma, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University: He has given an optimistic note to control and prevent the spreading of the disease. He highlighted the various routes of transmission and he is of the opinion that moral education along with the parental socialization will help to prevent the disease from assuming epidemic proportions.

Alongside with efforts by the Government, knowledge about prevention and treatment of Hepatitis C needs to be disseminated at a level that it becomes a part of the public knowledge.

President: Prof. M. Dhaneswar, Dean School of Physical and Natural Sciences, Manipur University: The issue of stigmatization arising out of it by equipping the people with the right information, and that one should have a healthy life style and proper food habits alongside with avoiding any of the associated risk behavior so as to stay away from the villages

Rapporteur

1. Ms. Surekha Longjam, Research Scholar, CMS, MU
2. Ms. Mamta Lukram, Research Scholar, CMS, MU.

To be continued....