GMS Voice          . . . . .  Healthy Pakistan  

Voice of the Month          Hepatitis

Hepatitis has captured the attention of world health authorities as an emerging global issue. It is the inflammation of the liver, usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, drugs (including alcohol), toxins, or parasites. Most cases of hepatitis are due to viral infections: major types include Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E, Hepatitis F, Hepatitis G. Among these Hepatitis B &C are of great concern and can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver transplantation.

Hepatitis B and C are usually transmitted through sexual intercourse, transfusion of unscreened blood, non sterilized surgical instruments, and the reuse of old syringes. Hepatitis A and E, on the other hand, are transmitted through food and contaminated water.  Disease can be controlled by blood screening, sterilized surgical instruments, improving hygienic conditions and adapting healthy

Global Scenario

Around the world almost 600 million people are infected with either hepatitis B or C. Infection with hepatitis C Virus causes chronic infection in about 85% of those infected, and among those chronically infected, cirrhosis may eventually develop in from 5 to 20 %.  Estimated 250 000 people die annually of HCV related.

Pakistan

Pakistan is currently home to around 10 to 12 million patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C.  The overall prevalence of the disease in Pakistan is around 10 to 15 percent, in some areas, such as the Seraiki belt (lower Punjab and upper Sindh), this prevalence increases to around 40 to 50 percent. In Pakistan one out of every ten persons is a carrier of hepatitis B virus.

 To address this serious issue Pakistan Government has taken some initiative like Prime Minister Hepatitis Program and has recently incorporated Hepatitis vaccination in the EPI program, which is a notable step.