Campaign launched to help unknowing hep C carriers

Scheme to reduce stigma of being tested and increase chances of cure

Hepatitis C carriers who do not know they have the virus are the targets of social media videos and a 24-hour WhatsApp support service.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has backed the campaign and is hoping to open up discussion about the virus and its effects, and remove the stigma associated with getting checked out.

It is estimated there are 170 million carriers of the virus around the world, with the Mena region considered to have the highest regional infection rates.

Doctors have said fewer than 30 per cent of those infected with viral hepatitis worldwide are aware of their condition, increasing the chances of the condition being passed on to others.

The virus can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated.

Speaking at a new partnership with the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society, Dr Hussain Al Rand, a ministry assistant undersecretary, said now was the time to act and help to reach new diagnosis targets by 2030.

“For many years patients and the public have avoided discussions about hepatitis C primarily due to the lack of understanding about the disease transmission, as well as stigma often associated with it,” Dr Al Rand said.

“The ministry is committed to improving public health and reducing the risks of hepatitis C.”

The World Health Organisation has set a “90-80-90 goal”, meaning that by 2030, healthcare providers should try to achieve a diagnosis in 90 per cent of the carriers, of whom 80 per cent are treated and 90 per cent are cured.

“This should be possible as it is curable if people are screened, diagnosed and treated,” Dr Al Rand said. “Viral hepatitis represents a considerable public health challenge at the global level, and in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region.

“Because there are few noticeable symptoms, many people are either misdiagnosed or do not come forward for testing.”

The virus is recognised as a major cause of liver cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and the most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma.

Prevalence of the virus in the UAE is estimated at less than 1 per cent, but only 30 to 50 per cent of patients are diagnosed.

“We have a test for anti-bodies and a screening programme that is effective in detecting hepatitis C,” said Dr Maryam Al Khatri, president of the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society.

Dr Al Khatri said that regulation of tattoo parlours, similar to that of beauty salons, would help reduce that risk.

“Because of hygiene and lack of sterilisation and screening, we know that people born between 1945 and 1965 and those in developing nations are more at risk, so they should consider being tested,” she said.

“We have been working on a universal database of patients with hepatitis C and better record keeping to improve our information on the virus.”

The campaign aims to raise awareness about hepatitis C risks and prevention, supporting patients and their families.

The Ready to be Hepatitis C Cured campaign will open a dialogue with those who could be carrying the virus through Twitter and Facebook.

Campaign educational videos and a 24-hour WhatsApp programme promising to guide them into being cured.