As many as 1.1 million people died of hepatitis B and C in 2019, while an approximated 354 million are living with both strains of the virus across the world.
This was highlighted by Dr Ziauddin Hospital's Dr Anila Kazmi. She was addressing a virtual seminar titled "Hepatitis Can't Wait" to mark World Hepatitis Day.
Dr Kazmi stressed that such alarming statistics could be avoided through the timely testing, treatment and the vaccination of infants. The health expert pointed out that these strains of hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis and other conditions.
The purpose of the event was to create awareness among health professionals and the community to fight against hepatitis. The organisers agreed on the need to convey the urgency to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
While shedding light on chronic hepatitis C and its management, Dr Ziauddin Hospital Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr Sohail Hussain said Pakistan was facing an epidemic of hepatitis C.
"Almost 14 million people are infected with hepatitis C in Pakistan. Most of the people are unaware of their health status because the disease is asymptomatic in its initial course."
He said that according to the Pakistan Medical and Research Council, the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus HCV in the four provinces is as follows: Punjab 6.7 per cent, Sindh five per cent, Balochistan 1.5 per cent and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1.1 per cent.
He elaborated that Pakistan is a middle-income country and has limited resources. "Therefore, it should focus more on devising and implementing effective preventive strategies to reduce the disease burden of hepatitis C."
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Dr Ziauddin Hospital Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr Qamarul Arfin, while speaking about chronic hepatitis B and its complications, said it is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
In 2021, WHO estimated that 12% to 25% of people with chronic hepatitis B infection will require treatment, depending on setting and eligibility criteria.
He said the virus is commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, blood transfusion and other body fluids with an infected partner, unsafe injections and exposure to sharp instruments. WHO estimates that 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2019, with 1.5 million new infections each year. "Hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 82,000 deaths mostly from primary liver cancer," he pointed out.
Presenting his expert views as a panelist, Dr Ziauddin Hospital Department of Gastroenterology Chairperson Prof. Nasir Laique said the medical facility he represents has a robust screening system with data monitoring and effective treatment of all pertinent cases.
Sharing the background and history of hepatitis day, Dr Ziauddin Hospital Services Director Dr Inayat Ali Khan said there is a need to lay emphasis on hepatitis vaccination programmes.
He added World Hepatitis Day creates an opportunity to educate people about the burden of these infections. He appreciated the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's efforts and actions to combat viral hepatitis around the world.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2021.
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