Are you hepatitis aware? If no, you need to be!
WHO Alerts!
The World Health Organization issued a stark warning recently, stating that over 3,500 lives are claimed daily by hepatitis viruses, contributing to a mounting global toll.
According to new data spanning 187 countries, deaths from viral hepatitis surged to 1.3 million in 2022 from 1.1 million in 2019, as revealed in a WHO report coinciding with the World Hepatitis Summit in Portugal.
Meg Doherty, who heads the WHO’s global HIV, hepatitis, and sexually-transmitted infection programs, described these figures as “alarming trends” during a press conference unveiling the report. The data indicated that worldwide, there are 3,500 fatalities daily from hepatitis infections, with 83 percent attributed to hepatitis B and 17 percent to hepatitis C.
While there was a slight decline in the overall rate of hepatitis infections, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the troubling aspect of rising deaths due to insufficient diagnosis and treatment. He stressed that despite progress in preventing hepatitis infections globally, fatalities continue to climb.
Of serious concern to the World Health Organization (WHO) is the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and treatment measures to combat this viral infection.
Key Points From The WHO Alert
1. Global burden: Hepatitis B remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with an estimated 296 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection. This poses a major threat to individuals’ health and contributes to the burden of liver disease globally.
2. Transmission routes: Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. High-risk activities include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes for drug use, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.
3. Chronic infection: Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to severe liver complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is essential to diagnose and manage chronic hepatitis B effectively to prevent long-term health consequences.
4. Prevention strategies: The WHO emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection. Vaccination programs targeting infants, adolescents, and high-risk groups are crucial for reducing transmission rates and preventing new infections.
5. Testing and treatment: Early diagnosis of hepatitis B infection is essential for initiating appropriate treatment and preventing disease progression. Access to affordable testing and treatment services, particularly in low-resource settings, is critical for reducing the global burden of hepatitis B.
6. Public awareness and education: Raising awareness about hepatitis B transmission, prevention, and treatment is essential for empowering individuals to protect themselves and seek appropriate care. Health education campaigns and community outreach programs play a vital role in promoting hepatitis B awareness and reducing stigma associated with the infection.
Also of particular concern is Africa, where 63 percent of new hepatitis B infections occur, yet less than one in five babies receive the birth vaccination on the continent, the report highlighted.
The WHO lamented the lack of access to generic hepatitis drugs in affected countries, where exorbitant costs pose barriers to treatment.
According to the report, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Vietnam collectively account for two-thirds of all hepatitis cases, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this pressing public health issue.
What Hepatitis B Is and How To Prevent It
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). While some people with hepatitis B may not experience any symptoms, others may develop acute symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Here are some common symptoms and warnings associated with hepatitis B:
Symptoms:
1. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted even after rest.
2. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, which occurs when the liver is unable to properly process bilirubin.
3. Abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
4. Dark urine: Urine may appear dark or brownish in color due to the presence of bilirubin.
5. Loss of appetite: Decreased desire to eat or feeling full quickly while eating.
6. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and vomiting may occur.
7. Joint pain: Some individuals may experience joint pain or stiffness.
Warnings:
1. Chronic infection: Hepatitis B can become a chronic condition, leading to long-term liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer if left untreated.
2. Increased risk of transmission: Hepatitis B is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as during unprotected sex or sharing needles.
3. Risk of transmission to newborns: Pregnant women with hepatitis B can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth, increasing the risk of chronic infection and serious liver complications in the child.
4. Liver complications: Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue), which can impair liver function and increase the risk of liver failure.
5. High-risk groups: Certain populations, including healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, and individuals with multiple sexual partners, are at increased risk of hepatitis B infection.
Prevention:
1. Vaccination: The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. It is recommended for all infants, as well as adults who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus.
2. Practice safe sex: Use condoms during sexual activity to reduce the risk of hepatitis B transmission.
3. Avoid sharing needles: Do not share needles or other injection equipment to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and other bloodborne infections.
4. Screen for hepatitis B: Get tested for hepatitis B if you are at increased risk of infection, such as healthcare workers, people born to mothers with hepatitis B, and individuals with HIV or hepatitis C.
5. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids, and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors.
Stay guarded!
Am a patient with hepatitis B
And i want more way to cure this disease