Early testing, awareness stressed at Hepatitis Day observance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 28 2024: While urging everyone to seek prompt testing for hepatitis B and C in case of indulgence in risky conduct and behaviour, National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), Manipur state nodal officer Dr RK Rosie has emphasised the importance of early testing and treatment at treatment centres (TCs) in all 16 districts of the state, to prevent liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Speaking at the World Hepatitis Day observance jointly organised by Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) and PATH in collaboration with other organisations, at Hotel Yaiphaba, Thangal Bazar on Sunday under the theme "It's Time for Action", Dr Rosie reminded that World Hepatitis Day is observed annually across the globe with different themes with this year's theme "It's Time for Action", aiming to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, as targeted by the World Health Organization.

The initiative seeks to provide free and easy access to testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C patients, she said encouraged everyone to seek testing and treatment, to eliminate the scourge of discrimination associated with viral hepatitis B and C.She further informed that there is one treatment centre in each of the 16 districts under the NVHCP, along with two Model Treatment Centres (MTCs) at RIMS and JNIMS, where testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C are provided free of cost.

The MTCs have gastroenterologists or hepatologists to treat complicated cases.

Although there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, it can be cured.

On the other hand, while there is no cure for hepatitis B and patients must take medication for life, there is a vaccine to prevent it.

Hepatitis B vaccines (birth doses) are administered to infants within 24 hours of birth, and under the Universal Immunisation Programme, these vaccines are provided free of cost to children below the age of five years, she elaborated.

The function was also attended by JNIMS medical superintendent Dr Kh Lokeshwar, Y Sashikumar of SASO, Th Jotin of Care Foundation and IDUF vice president N Roshan.

Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal in association with the Institute's Model Treatment Centre and Department of Medicine, also observed World Hepatitis Day 2024 under the theme of "It's Time for Action" at the General OPD of the Institution on Sunday.

Speaking on the event, RIMS director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma re-emphasised the purpose of the theme and importance of observing the day in raising awareness among the public on the health condition.

He maintained that as a health care provider, it is our duty to take a lead and act toward stopping the disease by dedicating our service for the people.

The director continued that health care providers need to accelerate efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health outcomes.

Hepatitis can cause inflammation to the liver and can lead to severe liver disease and even cancer, he informed.

Prof G Sunil further stated that despite having all the facilities and advancement in diagnostic tools and treatment, RIMS needs to overcome the barriers to testing and treatment coverage between public and the health care provider.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also aims to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.As such, we all need to take action to help eradicating the disease by sharing information with friends, family and community, he asserted The director then appealed to the public to come out and take test for hepatitis.

RIMS will advocate for treatment and take care all for the outcome of the result, he assured.

As a part of the observance, a free screening for Hep-B and Hep-C cum consultation camp, and free Titre Measurement of Hep-B antibody for health workers were organised.

In all, 104 samples were tested for Hepatitis B and C, out of which 4 per cent turned positive for Hepatitis C with 59 antibodies tested.

The programme was attended by heads of departments, principals of Dental College and College of Nursing, faculties, chief nursing officer, nursing officials, staff and students of RIMS, Imphal.

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