In Ungheni district, over 1500 chronic patients with liver problems of viral origin are registered in the records of the specialist doctor, with around 80 people dying annually. Due to the immunizations against HVB that started in the 1990s, for more than 15 years there have been no cases of acute HVB in children, in the last 2 years there have been no cases of acute HVB, C, D in adults. Alexandr Cornei, head of the Ungheni Public Health Center, informed us about this.
It should be noted that today, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day. The date of July 28 was also chosen as a tribute to Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg (July 28, 1925 – April 5, 2011), Nobel Prize laureate, who discovered the hepatitis B virus, developed a diagnostic test and a vaccine for this virus.
Although there are several different types of liver viruses (A to E), hepatitis B and C are the most worrisome and cause nearly 8,000 new infections each day, most of which go undetected. The outcome? More than a million hepatitis-related deaths each year – and a new chronic infection every ten seconds. That’s why liver health is essential to human health. The large number of deaths caused by hepatitis could be prevented. There is an effective vaccine against HBV and effective treatments for hepatitis C.
July 28th is an annual public health event that brings people together to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and influence real change. The aim of this day is to reduce the level of hepatitis and eliminate this preventable disease which is currently a threat to public health. This day provides a moment of reflection and mobilization at the global level to address the challenges associated with hepatitis, as well as to promote the prevention, testing, treatment and elimination of these serious diseases.
The theme of the event for this year is “One Life, One Liver – Protect Both!” and promotes the urgency of testing, treatment and vaccination efforts needed to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. To achieve this goal, WHO requires countries to achieve specific goals:
Reduction of new viral hepatitis B (HVB) and C (HCV) infections by 90%; Reducing deaths from hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer by 65%; Diagnosis of at least 90% of people infected with hepatitis B and C virus; Administration of appropriate treatment in at least 80% of patients.
World Hepatitis Day is of particular importance in raising awareness and promoting actions against viral hepatitis. This event is a substantial platform for highlighting the importance of hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment.
In the Republic of Moldova, activities are carried out in epidemiological surveillance, reduction of morbidity, disability and mortality determined by acute, chronic and chronic viral hepatitis B, C and D, liver cirrhosis caused by the named viruses. According to statistical data, in 2022 a total of 1997 cases (a.2021-1888 cases) of viral hepatitis were registered, including 29 (1.4%) (a.2021-45 (2.3%)) cases of acute forms and 1969 (98.6%) (a.2021-1843 (97.8%)) cases chronic forms.
In 2022, apart from newborns, they were vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine with the first dose 4602 people out of 4977 planned, with the second dose 3485 people out of 3828 planned, with the third dose 2368 people out of 2781 planned, with the fourth dose 1091 people out of 1117 planned.
By raising awareness of the different forms of hepatitis and their impact on the individual and the community, this day plays a crucial role in promoting education and understanding.
Key messages for the population:
One life, One liver – : Test yourself!
Most of the people Protect both ears living with hepatitis do not know that they are sick and reach the late stages of the disease, with the onset of irreversible complications. Thus, early diagnosis of viral hepatitis B and C is essential in knowing the status and early initiation of effective treatment and care.
Healthy Liver = Healthy Life!
One Life, One Liver – Protect Both: Get Vaccinated Against Viral Hepatitis B!
The manifestation of the symptoms of viral hepatitis B occurs, most of the time, when the disease progresses. Thus, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones and prevent its serious consequences, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is to prevent infection by vaccination.
If you are unvaccinated – go to the doctor and get vaccinated against viral hepatitis B!
One Life, One Liver – Protect Both: Treat Yourself!
Treatment with antiviral preparations is effective in stopping the replication of the hepatitis B virus and curing people with viral hepatitis C, being also available free of charge. Thus, if you have been diagnosed with viral hepatitis B and/or C, see your doctor for effective care and treatment.
Viral hepatitis B and C present a problem for populations at increased risk of infection – people who inject drugs, sex workers and men who have sex with men. Populations at increased risk of infection – benefit from Risk Reduction Programs associated with drug use or risky/dangerous sexual behavior!
For medical service providers:
Increase access to viral hepatitis vaccination, testing and treatment services! People with hepatitis are waiting for support and medical care. Whether young children or people who inject drugs, some people are more at risk – their lives matter.
· Ensure information, education and formation of harmless behavior of the population to prevent viral hepatitis.
Apply standard precautions when providing medical care to all patients, regardless of infection status, to prevent nosocomial transmission of infection.
Expresul.md
2023-07-28 09:41:31
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