World Hepatitis Day: Mass awareness, immunisation needed to help curb spread of hepatitis

Mass awareness, universal guideline for immunization and hygienic handling of food and water will help curb hepatitis, said experts on Tuesday while observing world Hepatitis Day. About, two million people contract hepatitis every year from unsafe injections. These infections can be averted through the use of sterile syringes that are specifically designed to prevent reuse. Eliminating unnecessary injections is also an effective strategy.

 Experts stressed on the urgent need to enhance action to prevent viral hepatitis infection and to ensure that people who have been infected are diagnosed and offered treatment. The WHO this year, is focusing particularly on hepatitis B and C, which together cause approximately 80% of all liver cancer deaths and kill close to 1.4 million people every year. In addition to hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A and E viruses also cause viral hepatitis. These two viruses are primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated food and water and are responsible for less than 1% of all hepatitis-related deaths.

While explaining about poor target achieved in case of administration of Hepatitis-B0, the experts say "About 30-33% deliveries take place at sub-centres which do not have round-the-clock vaccination facility. Moreover, deliveries at private hospitals most of the time go unrecorded; hence the first dose of vaccination to the newborn within 24 hours remains unattended."

Viral hepatitis is caused by five distinct hepatitis viruses. Infection from these viruses results in approximately 1.45 million deaths each year. These viruses are transmitted through contaminated water and food, as well as by contact with blood or bodily fluids, through unsafe injections or transfusions. Infection also occurs from mother to child, or through sexual contact. Infection through all these routes of transmission can be prevented through proven and effective interventions. It is important for everyone to be aware of hepatitis and to learn how they can protect themselves from being infected.

Focusing on this year's theme - 'Prevent hepatitis. Act now', the workshop discussed various preventive measures.

Medicines are now available that can cure or help control in most people with hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection. People who receive these medicines are less likely to die from liver cancer and cirrhosis and also less likely to transmit the virus to others.

Patients should demand safe injection. Approximately, two million people per year contract hepatitis from unsafe injections. These infections can be averted through the use of sterile syringes that are specifically designed to prevent reuse. Eliminating unnecessary injections is also an effective strategy to protect against hepatitis transmission.

The WHO recommends vaccinating all children against hepatitis B infection, from which approximately 7.8 lakh people die each year.

As per Government of India, the vaccination schedule under the Universal Immunisation Programme for Hepatitis B vaccine is of 4 doses; 0 dose within 24 hours of birth and three doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. 

World Hepatitis Day 2015: Prevent hepatitis. Act now

On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is highlighting the urgent need for countries to enhance action to prevent viral hepatitis infection and to ensure that people who have been infected are diagnosed and offered treatment.

This year, the Organization is focusing particularly on hepatitis B and C, which together causes approximately 80% of all liver cancer deaths and kills close to 1.4 million people every year.

The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is “Prevent hepatitis. Act now”.

In India, it is estimated that prevalence of hepatitis C infection is more than 6 times the prevalence of HIV infection. The World Health Organisation has called the HCV a “viral time bomb”, which signifies that the policy makers must pay the required attention towards this health issue.

WHO is alerting people to the risk of contracting hepatitis from infected blood, infected injections, and sharing drug-injection equipment.

Risk factors, symptoms and causes

Hepatitis A: This form of hepatitis is commonly found in children and is usually spread by fecal-oral contact or fecal-infected food and water.

A baby could get hepatitis A by consuming food/water contaminated with HAV-infected stool.

Parents might not even know that their children have caught the disease as hepatitis A can be a mild infection. However, in serious cases of infection, symptoms include fever, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine, and jaundice.

Hepatitis A usually causes mild illness, but it can also cause prolonged illness for upto six months

Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B virus is spread by contact with blood and other body fluids of an infected person. Infants may contract hepatitis B if they are born to a mother who has the virus.

In adults, it can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an HBV-infected person and sharing of contaminated needles or syringes for injecting drugs.

Symptoms may range from a mild illness to more serious chronic liver disease that can result in liver failure. Common symptoms may include fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, etc.

Hepatitis C: It is more common in adults than in children. Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with human blood and other body fluids. A baby can also get hepatitis C from his/her infected mother.

In adults, it can also be acquired through sexual contact with an infected person or through intravenous drug use.

Symptoms are usually mild and children often show no symptoms at all and therefore, parents get to know about their kid's disease at a later stage.

Hepatitis C leads to chronic liver disease in a majority of people infected with the virus. HCV is also considered to be the leading cause for liver transplantation in adults. Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is also linked with cancer.

Tests and diagnosis

All of the above conditions can be diagnosed through blood tests. A healthcare provider may also ask for liver function tests in order to determine the extent of the damage. A liver biopsy may be asked to do to further check for organ damage. Other tests and diagnostic procedures to determine the extent of the disease include CT scans and MRI.

Prevention

Like any other diseases, practising a good hygiene can help prevent the risk of getting as well as spreading hepatitis. Other preventive measures include:

Vaccinations - vaccinations are available for HAV and HBV, unfortunately, there's no vaccine for HCV.

WHO recommends vaccinating all children against hepatitis B infection. The vaccine should be given as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. The birth dose should be followed by 2 or 3 doses to complete the vaccine series. A safe and effective vaccine can protect from hepatitis B infection for life.

WHO also recommends vaccinating adults who are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B.

Blood transfusion – to reduce the risk of infection, blood transfusion is routinely screened for hepatitis B and C.

Hepatitis C cases increasing in Iran

The number of people infected with Hepatitis C is increasing in Iran and it is estimated that about 0.5 percent of the Iranian population has Hepatitis C virus, which has come to the top of virus-induced liver diseases in many parts of the world. About 40 percent of the drug addicts have Hepatitis C and the number of injecting drug users in the country has grown as well.

The infection is emerging mostly due to the problem of intravenous drug abuse and needle-sharing. Most of the time both Hepatitis B and C develop in single men and those who serve prison sentences. There are more than 100,000 prisoners in Iran serving sentences for drug-related crimes. According to official statistics, there are about 2 million drug addicts in Iran.

Hepatitis C infection is now the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in many countries. Every year, about 1.4 million people experience chronic illness from their infection with hepatitis A, approximately 2 billion suffer from Hepatitis B and around 150 million from Hepatitis C.

Getting hepatitis on the policy agenda in Asia

Viral hepatitis causes 1 million deaths a year in the Asia Pacific region, the equivalent of one death every 30 seconds and more than three times as many as HIV. Of the 350 million people in the world living with hepatitis B, 74% of them live in Asia.

There is a vaccine for hepatitis B that could save millions of lives if the governments make it a priority. What we need is for governments across the region to approach viral hepatitis in the same way that most have HIV/Aids, TB and malaria. This starts with the development of a national action plan.

Despite the sizeable liver cancer wards in many of Asia's major hospitals, a general lack of understanding of liver disease both among the public and health professionals and no systematic screening for those at risk has left the epidemic unchecked.

There should be a campaign on liver disease education for the public and healthcare workers and an expansion of countrywide screening, hepatitis B vaccination and treatment of chronic hepatitis. These measures coupled with long-term surveillance for liver cancer, enhanced infection control to prevent transmission in health care settings and ongoing prevalence data analysis can help bring the epidemic of liver disease under control.

Vaccination for children is quite prevalent in many countries but vaccination for adults is far less widespread. But progress is stunted in parts of Asia where hepatitis is accompanied by discrimination. In many places the stigma attached to hepatitis B is severe. Pre-employment tests for the disease screen out those who test positive. Overseas workers from the Asia face similar discrimination notably in Middle Eastern countries. People with hepatitis are blatantly discriminated against and workplace discrimination is a huge problem that deters people from getting voluntarily tested.

Ghana rated high risk for Hepatitis B, C

Ghana is rated a high risk country for Hepatitis B and C with between 10 and 15 percent prevalence rate. Out of every 100 Ghanaians, 13 may test positive for Hepatitis B, which is far more prevalent than HIV/AIDS. Currently, Hepatitis B and C had no cure but people who had tested positive could be managed to have prolonged lifespan. It is advisable that all Ghanaians should get tested and vaccinated against such a highly infectious disease.

Most people are not aware of the disease and even if people are aware, they had not been vaccinated for protection. There should be concerted efforts by all stakeholders to educate and vaccinate the citizenry against the disease. Currently, only children undergoing primary immunization are having free immunization against the disease.

If the virus is not detected early, it becomes chronic hepatitis which affects the liver and results in cancer and inflammation of the liver. Chronic hepatitis would also show symptoms such as severe cold, yellowish eyes, swollen legs, lack of appetite for food, high body temperature and redness of the liver.

Currently, 500 million people worldwide are said to be living with Hepatitis B virus with 200 million infected with Hepatitis C.

Free screening and counseling was organised in Ghana for Hepatitis B and C to mark the occasion of World Hepatitis Day.

India Hepatitis Awareness: Be aware of hepatitis, get tested today

July 28 was World Hepatitis Day 2013, and it is time we woke up to the fact the Hepatitis is as much a danger as HIV. Hepatitis is a largely overlooked disease, we need to create awareness amongst people, to make them understand that it is as important to weed out hepatitis as it was to wipe out polio or to spread awareness about HIV.

Here are a few things you might not know about Hepatitis:
Get tested if you have had a blood transfusion: Blood transfusion can transmit hepatitis C. If you have had a blood transfusion before the year 2002, get yourself tested for the condition. This is because, blood banks all over India started testing blood for the presence of Hepatitis C only after 2002. That being said, anyone who was transfused before that should get tested immediately.

Pregnant mothers beware: If you are pregnant or are planning to conceive anytime soon, get tested for hepatitis. This is because the virus that causes Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child. A number of mothers in India are unaware that they should get tested. Some don’t even know they have contracted the condition and unknowingly pass it on to their babies. If a mother is found to have hepatitis B she and her child can be treated. The earlier the better. Babies can be saved from the infection if they are given the vaccine right after birth. In most cases it becomes difficult to save the baby if he/she is not treated immediately. Those who have hepatitis are at great risk of liver cancer and liver disease.

 

Don’t wait for the symptoms: By the time any symptoms manifest, it is usually too late to do anything. A person must get tested early on, or on a regular basis if they are at risk of contracting the disease. If hepatitis is detected early, it can be treated and managed well. People can live full lives. Hepatitis progress to cause irreparable damage to the liver, leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer. So don’t wait, prevention is always better than cure.

Be aware of the types: There are four types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A is commonly called jaundice. Caused due to a food borne virus, it leads to excess bile secretion, and malfunctioning of the liver. In most cases patients make a full recovery. Common symptoms include yellowing of eyes and skin, pale coloured stools, fatigue and in some cases vomiting. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is spread through blood or body fluids. Either by having unprotected sex or sharing infected needles etc. It infects the liver, and its symptoms do not manifest in most people. This type can be transmitted from mother to child. Hepatitis C is a type that can be spread through blood and rarely through bodily fluids. It infects the liver and in most cases the symptoms do not show up until the liver is beyond repair. Symptoms are usually vague and commonly misdiagnosed. Hepatitis D is a mutated form of the virus causing other forms of hepatitis. It has been recognised by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as the hepatitis delta virus. It is transmitted through infected blood, blood products and unprotected sexual contact. People with Hepatitis B are at the greater risk of contracting this type of hepatitis.
Get vaccinated: There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B, but not for C. One can get the vaccine at any age, and it is freely available for administration in both government and private hospitals and clinics. Talk to your local physician about getting vaccinated.

Experts warns of a looming Hepatitis crisis in Australia

Australia faces a hepatitis crisis without an urgent lift in immunisation and treatment levels, warn experts in the field. Liver complications resulting from hepatitis B kill almost 400 Australians each year, yet fewer than one in five people living with chronic hepatitis B are receiving anti-viral treatment.

The experts believe that the state and federal governments must rethink current policies to stem a blow-out in deadly liver disease and liver cancer cases.

More than half of the 220,000 people living in Australia with chronic hepatitis B remain undiagnosed. A similar number of people are living with chronic hepatitis C. That's why liver cancer is increasing faster than any other cause of cancer death in the country. More resources are absolutely required both for patient and healthcare worker education, but also to develop programs to try and implement vaccinations and treatment uptake in the infected communities.

At about $10 for each vaccination, immunisation and treatment are much more cost effective than spending thousands of dollars each time a patient with chronic hepatitis B is admitted to hospital. The cost of one liver transplant would buy many thousands of doses of vaccine, so this really should be a priority.

The experts have called for free vaccinations, currently available to children and high-risk adults, to be rolled out to all unprotected adults. The federal government has long been committed to raising immunisation rates in Australia, and it is the best way to protect against many serious and deadly diseases. The federal government spends an estimated $66.67 million per annum on vaccines containing hepatitis B.

Medical Experts across India Call for More Education, Awareness on World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis viruses constitute a major health risk as they cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Experts in India are calling for greater focus around hepatitis education and screening among high-risk communities and populations in India.

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections are ‘silent’ diseases that remain asymptomatic for decades.  Due to lower awareness, more than 80% HCV patients and over 60% patients with HBV are diagnosed at a stage when the disease is irreversible. Unhygienic use of needles in acupuncture and tattooing has significant potential in spreading the infections. Alcoholics are also 2-3 times more prone for developing Hepatitis B & C. More and more youngsters fall prey to Hepatitis infections. If anyone has symptoms such as jaundice, continued fatigue, itching all over the body, fever and abdominal pain they must be tested for Hepatitis for timely diagnosis and treatment.

As for Hepatitis C, one out of every hundred persons in India may be chronically infected by the virus and most among these 12 million persons do not know they are infected. Prevalence of Hepatitis C has been observed to be relatively higher in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.  Interestingly, several studies conducted in these states highlight different risk factors which are believed to have led to the relatively higher prevalence of the condition.

The prevalence of HCV is also found to be high in some states in Northeast India. A study conducted in Arunachal Pradesh showed a prevalence of 7.89%. It has been noted that unsafe behaviour among injecting drug users is the driving factor behind HCV epidemics in Northeast India. It is alarming to see high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections in Northeast India specifically in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.  A recent study done in Mizoram showed that prevalence of HCV was 71.2 per cent among the active injection drug addicts. Studies done in Manipur have revealed that the prevalence of Hepatitis C among patients with chronic liver disease was 46.21% and the co-infection with HIV-HCV among chronic liver disease was 18%. The highest number of HCV cases was found in two districts of Manipur – Imphal West (36.81%) and Churachandpur district (21.6).

World Hepatitis Day: Confronting the scourge of Hepatitis in Nepal

Every year, July 28 is celebrated by World Health Organization as World Hepatitis Day. The day is the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg who discovered the hepatitis B virus, then known as Australia antigen. The World Hepatitis Alliance first launched World Hepatitis Day in 2008, and this year will be the sixth year it is marked. It has become an annual event focused on patient groups and people living with hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C, which can cause chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The World Hepatitis Alliance is a not-for-profit international non-governmental organization whose membership is composed of organizations working in the field of viral hepatitis. It is a purely patient-led and patient-driven organization, full membership of which is available to patients only. It is working with more than 150 international organizations worldwide towards its aim of a world without viral hepatitis B and C.

Hepatitis is one of only four diseases marked by WHO on a specific date. WHO and partners mark World Hepatitis Day to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases caused by hepatitis virus infection. This year, the theme of World Hepatitis Day is “This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it.”

Know it
Hepatitis viruses have a special affinity for the liver. Viral hepatitis means the inflammation (damage) of liver cells by those viruses. Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by feco-oral route, which means by taking food and drinks contaminated with fecal matter. Both of them cause acute viral hepatitis. Although this disease is often self-limiting, it can sometimes cause acute liver failure and even death. Pregnant women are at risk along with newborns, elderly people, and people with chronic liver diseases. It is estimated that about 1,400,000 new hepatitis A virus infections occur globally each year, and underdeveloped countries bear most of the burden. Every year, there are 20,000,000 hepatitis E infections, over 3,000,000 acute cases of hepatitis E, and 70,000 hepatitis E related deaths.

Hepatitis B and C cause chronic inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These viruses constitute a major global health risk. WHO estimates that there are about 2,000,000,000 people who have been infected with hepatitis B worldwide. More than 300,000,000 are chronically infected and require treatment. Between 500,000 and 700,000 people die every year due to hepatitis B related cirrhosis and liver cancer. At the same time, it is estimated that about 150,000,000 people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus. More than 350,000 people are estimated to die from HCV-related liver diseases each year worldwide.

Confront it
Viral hepatitis B and C place a heavy burden on the healthcare system because of high costs of treatment of liver cancer and liver failure from cirrhosis. The actual burden of diseases related to hepatitis B and C infection is not exactly known in our country. In fact, the problem has not been addressed in a comprehensive way so far by the stakeholders. Researchers and clinicians are also to blame for this, as there have been no researches in this area so far. As most people do not develop any symptoms for decades, until they come down with liver disease, hepatitis has created a “silent epidemic.”

Moreover, most people with chronic infection of hepatitis B or C are unaware that they carry the virus and unknowingly transmit it to other people. Hepatitis B vaccination is the best way to deal with this disease. It has been included in Nepal’s Expanded Program on Immunization Schedule, which is commendable. However, it is still not available in every district. Early detection is the best way to treat this disease, as it is curable. Early detection also prevents the development of complications. Those who are at risk should be tested. Treatment of hepatitis C is very costly. It is the lone virus without a vaccination. Intravenous drug abuse, which accounts for more than 90 percent of the transmission, should be discouraged. Universal precaution should be practiced in health care institutes, since prevention is better than cure.

Hepatitis A and E can be prevented by maintaining good personal hygiene. Avoiding unsafe and uncooked food and taking processed water can control this disease. Vaccine against hepatitis A is available, while vaccine against hepatitis E is awaiting mass production.

Alcohol is creating large scale liver problem among youth in India

Many teenagers in urban areas are suffering from alcoholic hepatitis. Many of them are brought to hospitals in unconscious state with high bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT levels. These teenagers are typically 17-18 years and many experts attribute their condition to social drinking.

Social drinking among youths (16-18 years) is taking a toll on their liver. Hepatitis is a condition where the liver swells and hinders its functioning.

In the past year, many youngsters, including girls, have been diagnosed with symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis. In Bangalore, there is an increase in teenagers in Class 11 and 12 becoming alcoholic addicts. They develop symptoms of lethargy, loss of appetite, gastritis and pain in the abdomen. Unless they're treated at the right time, they become victims of alcohol hepatitis.

 

Shockingly, such patients are not accompanied by their parents, but friends, an indicator that their parents are clueless about what their kids are up to.

The mortality rate is very high in such cases -- about 10% to 15% and in the 15-18 age group it's the highest. If treatment doesn't help, the only option is liver transplant.

Every drop of alcohol the body consumes gets rejected by the liver as a toxin. With changing lifestyle, alcohol has become a norm, but its deadly. Hepatitis B or other liver-related disorders are commonly seen among diabetics too. For every ten diabetics, at least six will have a fatty liver which can further result in liver disorders. Over 8 million Indians have alcohol-induced liver disease.

In Bangalore a survey was undertaken to collect data on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections among the urban population of Bangalore. The survey reveals that one in 50 person in the city has Hepatitis B and one in 200 has Hepatitis C. These findings were the outcome of free screening camps.

The results indicate the magnitude of the disease and sound an alert for preventive measures. Awareness of these diseases is extremely low. Worse, it's a silent killer with the majority of those infected unaware of the problem. However, they're easily treatable if detected early and can be completely prevented by getting vaccinated. If left untreated, both hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver cirrhosis which can cause bleeding, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, coma, liver cancer, liver failure or even death.

Shockingly, about 30 million people in India have chronic Hepatitis B or C infection, far higher than the prevalence of HIV or any cancer. However, chronic viral hepatitis does not have the level of awareness seen with other communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Premier hospitals in India provide free screeing to patients on World Hepatitis Day

Premier super speciality hospital Institute of Liver and Billary Sciences today launched a hepatitis vaccination campaign here to combat the spread of the disease. The campaign was launched to commemorate the World Hepatitis Day. The World Hepatitis Day is celebrated world over on July 28.

The campaign -- Hepatitis Awareness Assistance and Treatment Suport -- is aimed at brining down the cases of hepatitis infection as well as to impart knowledge to people about its prevention and cure. Under the initiative, the hospital will also provide free screening and offer subsidised treatment to hepatitis-affected patients. India is home to millions of hepatitis patients but currently there is lack of specific planning by the government to contain hepatitis infection in the country.

Another hospital in Mangalore is organising free hepatitis-b screening and vaccination camp at its premises near Mahaveer Circle from July 28 to 29. This camp has been organised as part of the World Hepatitis Day. Hepatitis-b is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis-b virus (HBV), which leads liver to swell and prevents it from working well. HBV is diagnosed by blood tests. HBV vaccination to people, who have not been exposed to this disease, is the best way to prevent it.

The initiatives also aim at bring down the cost of the treatment. It said currently the treatment for the disease is expensive as a patient ends up spending more than Rs 5 lakh a year for the treatment of Hepatitis C infection and almost Rs 3 to 4 lakhs for treatment of Hepatitis B infection.
 

World Hepatitis Day: Northern Rivers in New South Wales launches campaign for Hepatitis Awareness

THE NORTHERN Rivers has the third-highest rate of hepatitis C in New South Wales, Australia. This is something that often goes unmentioned in conversation, but during NSW Hepatitis Awareness Week, healthcare professionals are urging people not to keep quiet about seeking treatment or diagnosis. Today July 28 is World Hepatitis Day.

The revamped Lismore Liver Clinic re-opened on Thursday with staff ready to provide testing, counselling and treatment for those living with hepatitis. In the area, two in 100 people are affected by hepatitis B or C and it's great to see Lismore is leading the way with treatment at the new liver clinic. Also it is important to note that fewer than one in 50 people with hepatitis get treated. The purpose of NSW Hepatitis Awareness Week is to let people know having hepatitis B or C doesn't mean you can't manage your health. The longer you leave it, the more damage you are doing. Hepatitis Awareness Week is about "demystifying" hepatitis. People should be made aware that it is just another chronic health problem. There is a lot of stigma and discrimination around hepatitis, but this comes from ignorance. If we can educate people instead, that would be great.

World Hepatitis Day: India joins the world in raising awareness about hepatitis

The Indian Government health departments are gearing up to observe the 6th World Hepatitis Day in association with World Health Organisation (WHO) on July 28 with an objective to raise awareness about hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

About 500 millions people worldwide are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If left untreated, hepatitis B or C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer or liver failure.

July 28 was chosen to mark the birthday of Baruch Blumberg, awarded the Nobel prize for his work in discovering the hepatitis B virus. World Hepatitis Day prompts people to think about the large-scale viral hepatitis infections globally, need to get tested and how to avoid getting infected.

On World Hepatitis Day, two themes have been selected for 2013. The first theme is: 'This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it'. The second is: 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.'

'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' is widely recognized and refers to those who deal with problems by refusing to acknowledge them.

The idea for this year is that three wise monkeys travel the world for hepatitis awareness. Soft toy monkeys will be travelling the world this year to promote awareness about hepatitis B and C. The long-term objective of the campaign is to prevent infection and to deliver real improvement in health for people living with hepatitis B and C.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted between people through contact with the blood or other body fluids (i.e. saliva, semen and vaginal fluid) of an infected person. It is very unlikely that it can be contracted through kissing or sharing cutlery.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Very rarely it may be passed on through other body fluids although this is currently unclear.

The most common routes of transmission for hepatitis B and C virus are blood transfusion and blood products, using un-screened blood, medical and dental interventions without adequate sterilisation of equipments, mother to infant during child birth, sharing equipment for injecting drugs, sharing straws, sharing razors, tooth brushes, tongue cleaner etc.

Tattooing and body piercing through un-sterilised equipment can also lead to hepatitis. In case of hepatitis B, infection can also occur through unprotected sex with an infected person.

Indian government (both central and state) has been making efforts to spread awareness regarding factors responsible for spreading the deadly disease. Hepatitis B antigen usually appears in blood six to 12 weeks after infection and tests positive. Hepatitis C antibodies usually take seven to nine weeks to appear in the blood after infection and test positive. Immunization is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. Experts claimed that hepatitis B vaccine is effective in approximately 95% of cases. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, prevention is the best cure.

In Taiwan many people with liver infections ignoring condition

About 90 percent of the 13,000 people who die from liver disease every year in Taiwan have hepatitis B or C. It can be reduced significantly if people with liver infections undergo regular check-ups and undergo treatment to prevent them from developing into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The annual death count from liver disease accounts for about 8 percent of the total death toll in the nation, higher than the number of deaths caused by stroke. Among the liver diseases, liver cancer — with the second-highest incidence rate and the second leading cause of death — is the most deadly, causing 8,000 deaths annually.

However, death may be avoided through early detection and treatment. The main cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer among Taiwanese is hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.

70 percent of those who died from liver cancer were HBV carriers and 20 percent had chronic active hepatitis C viral infections. Between 15 and 20 percent of HBV carriers who have persistent liver inflammation develop cirrhosis and have a greater chance of developing liver cancer. Half of the HCV infections also turn into chronic liver disease and 20 percent became cirrhosis, with 3 to 5 percent of people with cirrhosis eventually developing liver cancer.

A survey conducted by a local agency found that 80 percent of respondents thought that “staying up late” was one of the main causes of liver disease, which the agency said showed that people have insufficient knowledge about the disease. While 90 percent of the surveyed said they know that follow-up examinations and regular treatment help contain HBV and HCV infections, 30 percent of those who are aware that they are infected have not been seeking medical attention.

Research shows that people with HCV infection can reduce their chances of developing liver cancer by 65 percent if they are treated early, and that HBV carriers can lower the probability by 78 percent given proper treatment. As such, people with HBV and HCV infections are urged to undergo routine check ups and treatment.

World Hepatitis Day: More needs to be done to fight deadly hepatitis

Hepatitis is a frequent headline-maker in media and creates lots of online chat in blogs, tweets and posts. No wonder, given that this liver disease is potentially life-threatening. Despite all this attention, getting people tested and treated is still a challenge for public-health practitioners.

As we acknowledge the annual World Hepatitis Day this Sunday, the number of infections is still of concern. One in 12 people worldwide has liver disease, and greater than three per cent, or more than 120,000 people in the province of British Columbia (B.C.), are infected with hepatitis B and/or C. Enormous strides in hepatitis-B prevention have been made in the province through the use of publicly funded vaccinations covering all children. However, hepatitis C is a different story.

There is so far no vaccine for this silent killer, which can lay dormant for decades, often only showing symptoms when much damage is done. Two-thirds of all cases are "baby boomers" born between 1945 and 1965 - people who should be in their peak earning and family raising years. Instead, many of their years are spent with increasing disabilities because of this disease.

The earlier hepatitis C is detected the sooner it can be treated and the greater the likelihood of recovery. Treatment is the start of the healing journey that for many can lead back to full, productive lives.

In March, the provincial government announced $1.5 million in one-time funding to explore ways to better address both hepatitis B and C epidemics in B.C. The government will be engaging with interested individuals and organizations from across B.C., including health-care providers, liver specialists, regional health authorities and the new First Nations' health authority, community groups and non-government organizations to develop options for improving the provincial response to viral hepatitis.

It's important that health professionals continue to emphasize that people need to be tested for hepatitis B and C, so that those diagnosed can be engaged in care and treatment.

Work at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS has taught some very important lessons. For HIV, "treatment as prevention" improves the health of those already infected with HIV, while simultaneously reducing the risk of HIV transmission to others. This model can be adopted for hepatitis.

Applied to hepatitis C, this approach could simultaneously prevent liver disease and avert further transmission of the disease, multiplying the beneficial impact of treatment.

In order to stem the hepatitis virus in B.C., there is a need to unite the voices of affected communities, health professionals and community leaders and transform knowledge into action.

World Hepatitis Day: Livelier in Bangalore loses its sheen without good liver

Along with lifestyle ailments like diabetes and  hypertension, liver-related diseases have emerged as one of the most reported ailments in Bangalore. Apart from consumption of alcohol, which is the primary reason for liver cirrhosis, random intake of antibiotics and other drugs often lead to liver dysfunction.

Bangalore is known for its pub culture. Hence, it is no surprise that so many cases of  liver disorders are reported every day in the city. It is not only Bangalore, liver disorders have become rampant in other big cities as well. Every four persons out of 100 suffers from Hepatitis B in the state of Karnataka.

Problems of the liver can lead to Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B as well as Hepatitis C, making liver disorders one of the top killer diseases in the country.

Hepatitis B is one of the deadliest but silent epidemics in the country. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates suggest that the country is home to 25 to 40 million people suffering from Hepatitis B.
Experts say that Bangalore is also seeing a spurt of Hepatitis C cases. There is still no vaccine for Hepatitis C.  People who suffer from it have high chances of getting cancer.

Hence, it is mandatory to get liver check up done on a regular basis. In 90% of cases, people are unaware that they have a liver disease. Diagnosis happens at a very late stage because of lack of awareness.

World Hepatitis Day: Hepatitis kills about 2 people per minute

Hepatitis is a silent epidemic that kills two people per minute. In lead up to World Hepatitis Day, the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation are urging the public to learn about the disease and get screened and treated, if necessary.

According to a joint news release issued by the health organisations Monday, viral hepatitis affects some 424 million people throughout the world, killing 1.4 million per year as a result of complications, such as acute liver failure, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Hepatitis is sometimes called a “silent epidemic” because most people with the disease don’t realise they are infected.

World Hepatitis Day will be observed on Sunday, 28 July. This year’s theme is “This is the hepatitis. Know It. Confront it.”

People know very little about hepatitis, its potential severity, and its serious consequences for health and quality of life, therefore there is a need to intensify our information, education and communication initiatives around this disease and take action to promote prevention and early detection so people can get the treatment they need.

In the Americas, between eight million and 11 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B infection, and seven million have chronic hepatitis C.

The disease puts a heavy burden on healthcare systems because of the high cost of treatment and, in many countries, it is the main cause for liver transplants.

The fact that most people do not have symptoms – and tend not to have them for decades until they develop chronic liver disease – has contributed to the problem of poor diagnosis and inadequate treatment.

The number of deaths throughout the world each year from causes associated with hepatitis is about equal to the number of traffic deaths, that is, more than two deaths every minute.

Hepatitis can be controlled by maintaining good hygiene, avoiding consumption of contaminated food and water, getting vaccinated for hepatitis B, practising safe sex and not sharing injections or piercing equipment.

PAHO/WHO has been collaborating with its member states on strategies to prevent and control viral hepatitis. All the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands, have officially introduced the hepatitis B vaccine into their child immunisation programmes, and more than 99 per cent of donated blood units are screened for the hepatitis B and C viruses.
PAHO also promotes hepatitis B vaccination of health workers and the expanded use of sterilised, disposable injecting, cutting and piercing tools and instruments to prevent cross infections, including needles used both in health facilities and in cosmetic procedures, such as tattooing.

World Hepatitis Day: World Health Organisation urges action on Hepatitis treatment

WHO urges action on hepatitis threat - The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to act against the five hepatitis viruses that can cause severe liver infections and lead to 1.4 million deaths every year, ahead of the 2013 World Hepatitis Day to  be observed globally 28 July.

According to WHO, some of these hepatitis viruses, most notably types B and C, can also lead to chronic and debilitating illnesses such as liver cancer and cirrhosis, in addition to loss of income and high medical expenses for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Viral hepatitis is referred to as a ‘silent epidemic’ because most persons do not realise that they are infected and, over decades, slowly progress to liver disease. 

The fact that many hepatitis B and C infections are silent, causing no symptoms until there is severe damage to the liver, points to the urgent need for universal access to immunization, screening, diagnosis and antiviral therapy. Hepatitis is complex because of the different types of viruses.

Hepatitis A and E are food- and water-borne infections which cause millions of cases of acute illness every year, sometimes with several months needed for a person to fully recovery.

Hepatitis B, C, and D are spread by infected body fluids including blood, by sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission during birth, or by contaminated medical equipment. 

Hepatitis B and C have a greater health burden in terms of death because they can cause life-long infection (called chronic infection), which can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. In fact, chronic hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

WHO-approved vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B, while screening of blood donors, assuring clean needle and syringes, and condom use can prevent blood-borne and sexual transmission.

Hepatitis B can be prevented by reaching every child with immunization programmes that include hepatitis B vaccine, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. 

Hepatitis A and E can be prevented by avoiding contaminated food and water; in addition, there is an effective WHO approved vaccine for hepatitis A.

Hepatitis medicines are now included in the WHO Essential Medicines List, which member states are encouraged to adopt. Essential medicines are selected based on disease prevalence, safety, efficacy, and comparative cost-effectiveness.

Countries can use the WHO Model List as a guide for the development of their own national list.
 
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2013 World Hepatitis Day, the WHO is releasing its first-ever country hepatitis survey, covering 126 countries.

The WHO Global policy report on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in WHO member states identifies successes as well as gaps at country level in the implementation of four priority areas. 

The priority areas are raising awareness, evidence-based data for action, prevention of transmission, and screening, care and treatment.

The findings show that 37% of the countries have national strategies for viral hepatitis, and more work is needed in treating hepatitis. 

It also highlights that while most of the countries (82%) have established hepatitis surveillance programmes, only half of them include the monitoring of chronic hepatitis B and C, which are responsible for most severe illnesses and deaths.

The challenges posed by hepatitis were formally acknowledged by the World Health Assembly in 2010 when it adopted its first resolution on viral hepatitis, and called for a comprehensive approach to prevention and control.

Hepatitis C on sharp rise in China and a nationwide screenig campaign will be launched by government

Cases of hepatitis C are on the rise on the mainland, but many don't get proper treatment because they are unaware of their diagnosis, experts warned. China has reported more than 200,000 new hepatitis C cases on the mainland, a 185 percent increase since 2006.

Hepatitis C is an infection that affects the liver. About 80 percent of the infected develop a chronic infection. With timely diagnosis and treatment, the infection could be highly prevented or cured.

Government estimations put the number of sufferers nationwide at more than 10 million on the mainland and the top challenge in curbing the disease is detecting the sufferers.

Currently, fewer than 2 percent of those diagnosed with hepatitis C have ever sought medical attention. The percentage of those receiving proper medication is even lower. A majority of sufferers experience minimal or no symptoms at first. But chronic infection could lead to cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Patients with cirrhosis are more likely to develop liver failure or cancer. Some patients simply miss the chance to get cured.

To address the problem, a nationwide hepatitis C screening program will be launched by the top health authority to help more sufferers for early intervention.

Governments all over the world urged to act against five hepatitis viruses that cause severe liver infections

On World Hepatitis Day (28 July), the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments to act against the five hepatitis viruses that can cause severe liver infections and lead to 1.4 million deaths every year.  Some of these hepatitis viruses, most notably types B and C, can also lead to chronic and debilitating illnesses such as liver cancer and cirrhosis, in addition to loss of income and high medical expenses for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Viral hepatitis is referred to as a ‘silent epidemic’ because most persons do not realize that they are infected and, over decades, slowly progress to liver disease.  Many countries are only now realizing the magnitude of the disease burden and devising ways to address it.

The fact that many hepatitis B and C infections are silent, causing no symptoms until there is severe  damage to the liver, points to the urgent need for universal access to immunization, screening, diagnosis and antiviral therapy.

This year, in the run up to World Hepatitis Day, the Organization is releasing its first-ever country hepatitis survey, covering 126 countries. The WHO Global policy report on the prevention and control or viral hepatitis in WHO Member States identifies successes as well as gaps at country level in the implementation of four priority areas.  The priority areas are raising awareness, evidence-based data for action, prevention of transmission, and screening, care and treatment.

The findings show that 37% of the countries have national strategies for viral hepatitis, and more work is needed in treating hepatitis.  It also highlights that while most of the countries (82%) have established hepatitis surveillance programmes, only half of them include the monitoring of chronic hepatitis B and C, which are responsible for most severe illnesses and deaths. 

Many of the measures needed to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis disease can be put in place right now and, and doing so will offset the heavy economic costs of treating and hospitalizing patients in future. The findings underline the important work that is being done by governments to halt hepatitis through the implementation of WHO recommended policies and actions.

The challenges posed by hepatitis were formally acknowledged by the World Health Assembly in 2010 when, it adopted its first resolution on viral hepatitis, and called for a comprehensive approach to prevention and control. This has promoted a new era of awareness with more governments proactively working to address the disease. Reinforcing that call for action, WHO has been collaborating closely with countries and partners to build a strong global response.  As a result, the new report notes, 38% of countries observe World Hepatitis Day (an annual event that began in 2010) with even more countries expected to mark the day this year.