World Hepatitis Day Raises Global Awareness on Deadly Disease
World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is observed annually on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on global health. The primary objective is to promote prevention, testing, and treatment while showing support for those affected by hepatitis.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), viral hepatitis remains a hidden killer, causing numerous fatalities each year. In an effort to combat this, World Hepatitis Day aims to increase public awareness about the issue and the necessary steps to enhance prevention, screening, and control of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, namely types A, B, C, D, and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in terms of transmission methods, illness severity, geographical distribution, and prevention methods. Types B and C, in particular, can lead to chronic disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
An estimated 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and unfortunately, testing and treatment remain out of reach for most of them. However, some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination. According to a WHO study, an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines, and education campaigns. To achieve this, WHO has developed a global hepatitis strategy endorsed by all member states. The strategy aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030.
In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, emphasized the urgent need to address this deadly infectious disease. Hepatitis is responsible for the deaths of over 1.4 million people each year, making it a major global health concern. Shockingly, one in every 12 people worldwide lives with the infection.
The 2023 WHD celebration, themed One Life, One Liver, is focused on preventive care, increased awareness, and treatment of hepatitis in Lagos State. Dr. Ogboye urges citizens to prioritize testing, vaccination, and treatment for viral hepatitis to prevent and eliminate its devastating consequences. Achieving the 2030 WHO goal of reducing new hepatitis infections requires the commitment of every individual.
Lagos State has taken significant steps to mitigate the effects of hepatitis through its viral hepatitis prevention and control program launched in 2016. Over 100 health workers across secondary and tertiary facilities in the state have received capacity building and training, in addition to screening and vaccination. Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, the State Viral Hepatitis Control Programme Coordinator, stated that beyond World Hepatitis Day, the Ministry of Health conducts community awareness sensitization to encourage citizens to embrace prevention and control strategies while seeking early medical intervention if needed.
Dr. Emmanuel Anomneze, a Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist, and Hematologist, highlighted Nigeria’s high burden of chronic viral hepatitis. The country has a prevalence rate of 8.1% for hepatitis B and 1.1% for hepatitis C, with approximately 20 million Nigerians currently living with the diseases. Early diagnosis and access to effective medications are crucial in managing chronic viral hepatitis.
In conclusion, World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder of the urgency to combat this public health menace. Increased awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and improved access to care and treatment are essential. Citizens are encouraged to undergo screening, treatment, and vaccination against hepatitis to support prevention, early detection, and management efforts. The fight against hepatitis is a collective responsibility, and government initiatives combined with public cooperation will help eliminate this deadly disease.
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