Nearly 1 mn people die every year from causes related to viral hepatitis

Hepatitis viruses (A, B,C, D and E) can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, said Dr Ajay Kumar Choudhary while addressing a press conference on Wednesday on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28).

“These viruses constitute a major global health risk with around 240 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis B and around 150 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C. Millions of people are living with viral hepatitis and millions more are at risk of becoming infected,” he said.

He said the majority with chronic infection of hepatitis B or C are unaware that they continue to carry the virus.

Statistics reveal approximately one million people die each year from causes related to viral hepatitis, most commonly cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although the burden of disease related to hepatitis infection is very high, in most countries, the problem has not been addressed in a comprehensive way for many reasons. This has largely resulted in “the silent epidemic” we are experiencing today.

Speaking upon the preventive aspects Dr Choudhary said that safe and effective vaccines are widely available for the prevention of Hepatitis A and B. Mandatory screening and testing blood for transfusion can prevent transmission of HBV and HCV. Sterile needles, syringes and surgical equipment protects against HBV and HCV transmission. Safer sex practices prevent transmission of viruses. In case of pregnant Hepatitis B mothers, babies delivered must receive injections of Hepatitis B immunoglobulin and Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth to prevent transmission of virus to the newborn.

MANDATORY SCREENING AND TESTING BLOOD FOR TRANSFUSION CAN PREVENT RANSMISSION OF HBV AND HCV