Why we should take hepatitis seriously

Previously described as epidemic jaundice; hepatitis (inflammation of the liver); is a potentially life-threatening liver infection.

The contagious nature of the illness was suspected even in the eighth century, as shown in records of major military campaigns in different continents of the 18th to 20th centuries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world today. Each year, over a million lives are lost due to viral hepatitis, mainly in Third World nations.

In May 2016, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) report on viral hepatitis. The GHSS calls for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 (reducing new infections by 90% and mortality by 65%).

Till date, many Nigerians are not fully informed about this disease and what to do if they are infected. There is a need for massive campaigns by government and private health centres on the dangers of the disease. Vaccines and other drugs should be made available at affordable rate so that people suffering from it are taken care of.