In tune with the theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day, “This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it”, Global Hospitals Mumbai has launched a campaign titled “I promise to love my liver”. Through this campaign they plan to reach out to employees of different corporate houses and housing societies across Mumbai city and organise health check up camps, health sessions and lectures to raise awareness about hepatitis.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), 350 million people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis-B virus and about 500,000 thousand people die every year as a result of hepatitis-B infection. Studies reveal that 90-100 per cent of the population acquires anti-HAV (Hepatitis-A Virus) antibody and becomes immune by adolescence.
Many epidemics of HEV (Hepatitis-E Virus) have been reported from India. India has intermediate HBV (Hepatitis-B Virus) endemicity; with a carrier frequency of 2-4 per cent. India is home to 11 per cent of the world’s people with chronic hepatitis B and the number of deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma or cirrhosis each year is between 100,000 and 200,000.
Stressing the need for more awareness, Dr Samir Shah, HOD – Hepatology Director – Global Hospitals, Mumbai says, “Hepatitis is often referred to as ‘silent killer’ because liver damage can gradually occur over many years before being discovered and can be a sign of liver failure. Hepatitis is far more easily transmitted than HIV and injury in healthcare. The need of the hour is strong proactive steps taken by Government which can help in prevention of Hepatitis B and making the next generation Hepatitis free.”
EH News Bureau
