World Hepatitis Day 28th July 2020

Mission 2020 of World Hepatitis Day

“Hepatitis Free Future” – The mission is to eradicate this deadly disease and keep our future generations secure. Over 290 million people worldwide are combating viral hepatitis. Most of them are un-diagnose and millions continue to suffer leading to loss of lives. On 28th July let’s join our hands to fight by creating awareness and eliminating hepatitis.

World Hepatitis Day Significance

World Hepatitis Day is observe to raise and spread awareness about different aspects of viral hepatitis. It’s basically an inflammation of liver, leading to different health problems. So, according to WHO, liver ailments are the 10th most common causes of death.
Therefore, this year a strong focus is to prevent hepatitis among newborns and mothers, and be cautious tackling this amidst Covid-19.
There are 5 types of hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D & E. Virus B & C are the main causes of death, claiming thousands of lives every day.

Hepatitis Free Future Protocol by WHO

World Health Organization is working together with many organizations of different countries to create a hepatitis free world by 2030. Hence, few guidelines by WHO –

• Prevent – Motto is to prevent newborns from this infection. Also, timely vaccination against Hepatitis B at birth and taking 2 additional doses as per vaccination rule.

• Stop Transmission – There is a high chance of virus transmission from mother to child. In addition to, routine testing for pregnant woman of Hepatitis B, HIV, SYPHILIS and immediate treatment if diagnosed.

• Equal Benefits – Everyone has the rights to get proper treatment and awareness education irrespective of his or her profession.

• Educate & Expand – Timely testing and treatment of hepatitis are necessary. So, proper education of its symptoms, causes, and prevention can save people from serious liver ailments.

• Maintain –Essential medical Treatment of hepatitis should maintained during Covid-19 pandemic also. Infant Immunization, harm reduction services and chronic hepatitis B patients should not be affected during pandemic.

Prevention Facts

• To stay healthy, eat healthy. Avoid junk & spicy foods. A balanced diet is suggested.

• Drinking alcohol leads to liver damage. Say no to alcohol.

• Any kinds of tobacco consumption are bad for health. It contains carcinogenic substances which can cause cancer.

• Take proper precautions in areas with poor sanitation.

• Practicing good hygiene like washing hands, and staying clean can be preventive.

Vaccination for Hepatitis

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B are available. Also, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C yet. One can get infected with Hepatitis D, if an individual has Hepatitis B. So taking vaccination for Hepatitis B also works to prevent Hepatitis D. There is no FDA approve vaccines for Hepatitis E, but few countries like China are already using it.

Lets us celebrate the day by creating awareness among people. Also, lets us educate people in interior parts of the countries who are neglected from cosmopolitan lifestyle. Everyone has the right to live and learn. Immediate diagnosis and treatment can save millions of lives yearly. It’s all in our hands.