For almost one hundred years now, on July 28, people have marked World Hepatitis Day in honor of Dr. Baruch Blumberg’s birthday. Baruch S. Blumberg was born on the 28th of December in 1925, in Brooklyn, New York City. Dr. Blumberg entered the US Navy as a surgeon and later received his medical degree from Columbia University; he therefore became involved in parasitology. Besides, other unusual polymorphisms and the Nigerian hepatitis B virus he also conducted the research. Dr. Blumberg was credited with the discovery of hepatitis B, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology in 1976.
Globally, an illness associated with Viral Hepatitis results in the death of one person every thirty seconds. However, the world does not have to be such a miserable place. Every death resulting from hepatitis can be averted when the patients get an opportunity to take tests, prevent, and treat themselves.
World Hepatitis Day is one of twelve global public health holidays, as far as WHO is concerned. This is a good chance to enhance knowledge and public awareness of health issues and mobilize people’s support for national and global efforts in this sphere.
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver mainly resulting from viral agents. Out of the five recognized types of viruses- A, B, C, D, or E, hepatitis is primarily caused by one of these types. Out of all the classifications of hepatitis, there are two major classifications accounting for nearly 90% of all hepatitis fatalities: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Severe health complications that are related to liver cancer, liver failure, and cirrhosis may be caused by repeated hepatitis infections. Globally, sickness and death that result from hepatitis complications amount to approximately 1.3 million. 150,000 deaths per year and global statistics indicate that the total number of patients suffering from the chronic form of hepatitis is 350 million as reported by the World Health Organization.
Statistical Data
Global data also revealed that there are 296 million Chronic Hepatitis B and 58 million Chronic Hepatitis C in 2019 and thus there is a question mark on viral hepatitis.
Among the eight international health days, the world is celebrating world hepatitis day in the name of different diseases. On this yearly occasion, attention is drawn to the fact that viral hepatitis is a global health problem of immense proportions since more than 350 million people are afflicted with chronic hepatitis B or C.
The Importance of World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day was launched on 19 May 2008 with the primary aim to promote collaboration in the struggle against viral hepatitis and to expand people’s awareness of the global distribution of this disease.
But what can you do on World Hepatitis Day? You can do the following:
- Viral hepatitis risks, treatment, and routes of spread should be explained to the people.
- All governments must establish the financing and legislation concerning hepatitis as a top priority.
- Express advocacy for the people who are struggling with viral hepatitis and for the areas that are affected.
- Emphasize the outcomes received in the course of combating viral hepatitis.
- The promotion revolves around a different World Hepatitis Day-selected subject each year. Past years have featured themes like “Hepatitis Can’t Wait” and “Eliminate Hepatitis,” which have highlighted the urgency of taking immediate action.
The Hepatitis Situation: A Silent Threat.
A common adverse effect usually experienced with viral infections like Hepatitis is liver inflammation. There are five classifications of the hepatitis viruses and they are namely; hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E; all being unique in their technique of delivery. Chronic hepatitis B and C lead to severe complications including liver cancer and cirrhosis. It happen even when some patients generate long-term immunity. Thus, approximately 350 million individuals globally are believed to have chronic HBV and/or HCV infections, based on WHO data. Unfortunately, millions of cases are still missed, which indirectly disseminate the virus and do not receive proper treatment. A detailed discussion of the main category of viral hepatitis is presented below.
- Hepatitis A: Some of the acute signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A are fatigue, nausea, and jaundice It is mainly transmitted through food and water. Immunization is one form of prevention at hand in order to enhance the well-being of society’s individuals.
- Hepatitis B: Seminal fluid and blood are two body fluids that are capable of transmitting the hepatitis B virus. This is because the liver may suffer from numerous infections throughout the course of a patient’s life, especially when the infection is recurrent. Vaccinations are recommended to have the best shield according to the recommendation.
- Hepatitis C: The hepatitis C virus is frequently carried by needlesticks that have been infected. The liver could sustain serious damage if it is not identified and treated very well. Conventional treatment of the situation is still available in antiviral therapy and is rather effective in the treatment of hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D seems to be worse off than hepatitis B, which is a requirement for the development of the former.
- Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E which is water-borne is particularly risky to pregnant women. But there are some populations that are at high risk, the vaccine is available for them.
The World Hepatitis Day Celebration: How to Take Part
Examine the threat, then proceed.
To find out if you have a higher chance of contracting hepatitis B or C, use these easy online resources. Next, locate a nearby vendor offering the hepatitis B vaccine or test, and act appropriately. Distribute these documents to your clients, friends, family, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Utilize Other Digital Resources and the World Hepatitis Day Logo.
Use the World Hepatitis Day logo in email correspondence, blog entries, and social media posts. For a wide range of digital products, including buttons, badges, and banners in different sizes and designs, visit the websites of the World Health Organization and the World Hepatitis Alliance.
Path to Elimination of Hepatitis
WHO has established ambitious goals that consist of the elimination of hepatitis B and C as health issues by 2030, with a 90% reduction in incidence and a 65% reduction in mortality rate. To achieve all these goals it calls for a multi-disciplinary style.
Improving Education and Knowledge
Public awareness campaigns need to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, prevention methods, and education about the spread of hepatitis. Businesses, civic organizations, and educational institutions can all have a big impact on the transmission of knowledge.
Expanding Vaccination Initiatives
The only weapon that Nigeria and other affected countries can rely on in the fight against hepatitis is vaccination. The given recommendations to implement the coverage of hepatitis A vaccinations and make hepatitis B vaccinations universal, especially for neonates, can be credited as solutions to reducing the rates of both infections.
Improved Diagnosis and Screening
Efforts must be made to diagnose hepatitis B and C at the earliest so that necessary treatment can be provided to the patient and its spread can be controlled. The testing for hepatitis should also be considered part of physical examination and it should be made available and affordable.
Expanding the Therapeutic Options
When dealing with hepatitis C, the medication that is used is antiviral medication together with the direct-acting antivirals which has proven not only to prevent damage to the liver but also to save lives. This is a challenge that major caregivers globally must ensure that all needy individuals can afford and access the correct therapies.
Constructing Health Systems
Governments and health systems themselves should be equipped and ready in order to deliver full hepatitis services which are testing, treatment, and care. There are several conditions of healthcare delivery which include; infrastructure development, human resource development, and adequate resources.
Taking On Stigma and Discrimination
The aim of increasing the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis patients entails the eradication of stigma and discrimination against patients who suffer from it. Awareness raising, legal measures, and policies are likely to play a crucial role in changing peoples’ perceptions toward target groups and enhancing their rights.
FAQs
1.Definition of hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver which is mainly, although not exclusively caused by virus infections.
2.What makes World Hepatitis Day significant?
The intention is thus to improve the extent of public awareness of viral hepatitis as well as possible complications. Apart from motivating people to go and, perhaps, get tested, if required, and vaccinated, it aims at increasing the use of treatments as well.
3. Why is the World Hepatitis Day celebrated?
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and July 28th annually is celebrated as World Hepatitis Day in order to alert the populace about the disease and encourage preventive measures as well as early access to the disease’s diagnosis and treatment.
4. How to treat hepatitis?
Treatment is based on the kind and level of hepatitis. Regarding therapy, the basic measures include bed rest, proper nutrition, and complete alcohol abstinence in clients with acute hepatitis. In patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, the treatment could include antiviral drugs to decrease inflammation and curtail viral replication.
5. What is the prevalent type of hepatitis virus?
There are 5 types of hepatitis namely, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. All are caused by different viruses, and they all have health impact potentials and methods of transmission that are peculiar to them.
6. How is hepatitis diagnosed?
Liver inflammation is detected by enzymes, viruses, and antibodies in blood tests, which are often raised in patients. Other diagnosed conditions may also be detected through the use of scanography, and ultrasonography in the case of liver diseases.
7. What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hepatitis are often general and vary with the type and severity of the virus usually generalized weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and the patient’s skin and eyes may turn yellow, a condition referred to as jaundice.
8. What are the side effects of hepatitis?
Hepatitis B and C are episodic diseases that lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and in most cases cancer. Viral hepatitis such as A and E are usually self-limiting and the vast majority of persons who develop acute liver disease do not have chronic complications.
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