CoNE launches campaign on World Hepatitis Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 22 2022:
In connection with the observance of World Hepatitis Day, a week-long campaign on the theme 'Bringing Hepatitis care closer to you', which is being organised by Community Network for Empowerment
(CoNE) to give awareness on Hepatitis and eradication of the disease was formally launched by Health Services director Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar at Manipur Press Club here on Friday.
Speaking at the launch programme, Dr Sashikumar pointed out that treatment of Hepatitis used to arduous, but with advancement in medical science and better-equipment of healthcare centres it is now easily treatable and can be eradicated.
While stating that public health programme will not be successful without the support of NGOs, he expressed optimism that the campaign will make the people thoroughly aware about Hepatitis and help in eradication of the disease.
In his address, CoNE president Rk Nalinikanta said that they have been observing World Hepatitis Day since 2012 and for this year too different events would be organised for a week in different districts.
While informing that free screening and treatment for Hepatitis C are being done from 2019 and similar facilities given for Hepatitis B from last year, he said that Hepatitis C can be treated with medication for three to six weeks and Hepatitis B prevented through vaccination.
Nalinikanta pointed out that the rate of testing and treatment of viral hepatitis is very low and many people are living with hepatitis unknowingly because they do not get tested on time.
He urged the people to join hands and conduct the test timely so as to achieve the goal of eradicating the viral hepatitis by 2030 .
The weeklong campaign will include poster campaign, distribution of leaflets, Hepatitis B screening, treatment of positive patients and vaccination to negative people, making of health card and bike rally in Imphal East and Imphal West, he said.