New Delhi, 24 July: WHO estimates that more than 5 million
people in the WHO South-East Asia Region will die from the consequences of
viral hepatitis in the next
10 years. There are an estimated 100 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection and 30 million people with chronic hepatitis C infection in the Region.
10 years. There are an estimated 100 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection and 30 million people with chronic hepatitis C infection in the Region.
WHO World Hepatitis
Day is marked on 28 July to increase the awareness and understanding of viral
hepatitis and the diseases that it causes.
Hepatitis
means “inflammation of the liver”. Seven types of viruses can cause viral
hepatitis, called hepatitis A to G. Of these, the most common causes of
infection are with one of four viruses: hepatitis A, B, C and E. All of these
viruses can cause an acute illness with symptoms lasting several weeks,
including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice); dark urine; extreme
fatigue; nausea; vomiting and abdominal pain. Because of the asymptomatic
nature of chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C, most people infected with these
are not aware of their status until they have symptoms of cirrhosis or liver
cancer many years later. About 65% of those with hepatitis B and 75% of those
with hepatitis C do not know they are infected. An
effective vaccine has been available to prevent
hepatitis B since 1982.
"Viral
hepatitis must be given greater priority in terms of both resources and effort.
Good surveillance is essential. Infant immunization coverage for
hepatitis B must reach levels greater than 95%” said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang,
WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia. “It
should be mandatory for all blood and blood products to be screened for
hepatitis B and C” he added.
Hepatitis
A and hepatitis E are also serious health problems. Approximately 12 million
cases of hepatitis E infection occur annually in the region, which accounts for
more than half the global burden. These levels of infection, especially when
they often occur in the context of outbreaks are a serious cause for concern.
Both diseases thrive in unsanitary conditions where they are transmitted
through the consumption of contaminated food or water. In most countries in South-East Asia, increased development has led to rapid
urbanization and crowded, overpopulated cities where conditions are perfect for
the spread of these viruses. “The quality of hepatitis testing in public and
private laboratories needs to be monitored. We need widespread public
awareness campaigns, targeted at health and social workers as well as the
general public, to increase awareness about the risk of viral hepatitis" said
Dr Plianbangchang.
To address this important public health challenge,
WHO is developing a strategy for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis
in South-East Asia. To support this
initiative, the UN health agency brought health experts from 11 countries
together to help finalize the six ‘pillars’ of this strategy, which address the
areas of policy, planning and resource mobilization; surveillance, prevention
and control, education, medical care and treatment and research.
###
