Nagaland observes ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’

EM Bureau
Kohima/Dimapur, July 28 (EMN): In an effort to convey urgency to eliminate hepatitis as public health threat by 2030, various districts in Nagaland observed the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ by organising awareness programmes in their respective headquarters on July 28 on the theme ‘Hepatitis can’t wait.’

The ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis. The programme was launched by the government to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the infection.

Hepatitis A and E are mostly caused by the intake of contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B, C, and D usually occur after coming in contact with infected blood and body fluids. Public are advised to consume only safe drinking water and food prepared in a clean environment and always ensure that food handlers are hygienic.

Kohima: The state nodal officer (SNO) of National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme ((NVHCP), Dr. Joel Koza has sought a collective efforts from the government and all other agencies to bring an end to hepatitis in pursuance to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.3 by 2030.

Dr. Koza stated this while addressing the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day,’ which was jointly organised by NVHCP, Kripa Foundation, Nagaland User’s Network, NNP+, ARK Foundation and Family Planning Association of India, at SLCA, Red Cross Building in Kohima on July 28.

The official informed that 325 billion people are chronically infected with Hepatitis B and C, while more than 20 million people are infected with Hepatitis A and D. Dr. Koza also informed that more than 1.5 million people are dying every year because of viral hepatitis infection.

In this regard, he called for concerted effort and collaboration of various NGOs and stakeholders to achieve the target to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.

He added that the government would provide free screening and testing for all the high risk group (HRG), pregnant women, and OPD patients showing symptoms or that are suspicion although there are gaps and limitations in the extended facilities like blood test, liver function test (LFT), kidney function test (KFT), blood Iri and latrine examinations till date.

Dimapur: All the health and wellness centres in Dimapur district observed the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ by conducting awareness on viral hepatitis to the stakeholders and communities such as village authorities, mothers’ association, church leaders, and youth leaders.

An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Dimapur, informed that participants were oriented on types of hepatitis, mode of transmissions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

It added that the participants were screened on non-communicable diseases (NCD) and also carried out Covid-19 vaccination.

Longleng: Longleng District Health Society commemorated the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ in the conference hall of the CMO’s office on July 28.

In a short speech, the CMO Dr. Obangjungla spoke on the significance of the day and informed that it is observed to commemorate the birthday of Nobel Prize winning scientist, Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered Hepatitis B virus and also developed a diagnostic test and vaccine to treat the Hep-B virus.

She also stated that the day is observed to spread awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer.

She further encouraged all the pregnant women to come forward and get tested for hepatitis, stating that if they are tested positive for hepatitis they could prevent the transmission to their child by administering the birth dose.

Phek: The ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ in Phek was observed at Dr. Wetshelo T Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital, Phek.

In his keynote address, the CMO Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino highlighted the significance of the day in order to create awareness, which is a major health issue with a person dying every 30 seconds from hepatitis related illness.

Gynaecologist of District Hospital, Dr. Pangertemsu spoke on the types of hepatitis, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, mode of transmission and treatments. He also informed that treatment for Hepatitis- B is available at District Hospital.

The participants were also briefed on the Covid-19 testing and treatment, status of Covid-19 vaccination etc. by Dr. Wemeri, senior medical officer, and Dr. Kolhitso Khalo, DPO (RCH & UIP) Phek.

Wokha: The Wokha district health society observed ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ in the conference hall of the CMO’s office on July 28.

In his keynote address, deputy CMO Dr. Zuben informed that hepatitis could lead to inflammation of liver, liver cirrhosis and even cause cancer. Although it is a non-Covid disease, he urged everyone to take precaution and go for early testing to avoid further spread.

Also speaking in the programme, CMO Dr. CW Tungoe sought the support of civil society leaders to sensitise public on Covid stigma and also disseminate the right information on Covid vaccination to the public. He added that misconception on Covid random sample testing and fake vaccine messages on social media hamper the efforts of the healthcare workers who are trying their best to contain the pandemic.

Pastor of Wokha Town Baptist Church, chairman of Lotha Hoho, president of Lotha Eloe Hoho, members from Team Metamorphosis and medical staff attended the programme.

Tuensang: Office of the CMO Tuensang observed the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day by organising a programme for NGOs, stakeholders, urban Ashas, staff from different vertical programmes under CMO establishment on July 28.

In his keynote address, the deputy CMO Dr. I Maotemjen briefly spoke on viral hepatitis, while epidemiologist IDSP Dr. John Shupao encouraged the participants to create awareness and sensitise on viral hepatitis as 95% of the population are not aware of viral hepatitis.

Dr. John also spoke on the key issues related to Covid-19, importance of early testing and treatment, stigma and discrimination and the importance of getting Covid-19 vaccine. He further requested participants to strictly follow the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour even after getting vaccinated in order to slow down transmission to others. 

Zunheboto: The district health society, Zunheboto, observed the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ in the office of the CMO on July 28, wherein the deputy CMO Dr. Akaho Sema spoke on importance of the day.

He informed that there are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. He stated that hepatitis B and C are the most common which affect millions of people worldwide, causing both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease.

He stated that ‘World Hepatitis Day’ is a day to celebrate the progress made and to meet the current challenges. He added that it is an opportunity to increase awareness and jointly facilitate prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Medical officers, physiotherapist, psychiatrists, BPMs, counsellors and Asha coordinators attended the programme.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung observed the ‘World Viral Hepatitis Day’ in the conference hall of the CMO’s office, wherein in a medicine specialist at IMDH

Dr. R. Alemba Jamir spoke on the five types of Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

He informed that in 2010, the World Health Assembly recognised hepatitis as a public health problem and called for its prevention and control and subsequently in 2015, hepatitis was included in Sustainable Development Goals 2030 to halt the transmission of viral hepatitis, access to safe, affordable and effective treatment, eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce the incidence of new infection.

While addressing on Covid-19, Dr. Temsuyanger, ZLO and NMHP, stressed on following the SOPs and guidelines, early testing and treatment and importance of vaccination.

Representatives from AKM, NSRLM, NHM, IEC personnel and CMO staff attended the programme.