Prevent Hepatitis B and Save Lives: Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate Recommends Full Vaccination

Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate Urges Full Vaccination to Prevent Hepatitis B and Save Lives

Ayacucho, Peru – In an effort to protect the population from the devastating effects of cirrhosis and liver cancer, the Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate is recommending full vaccination with three doses against Hepatitis B. This highly infectious and silent disease can lead to death if not detected and treated in a timely manner.

The coordinator of Prevention and Control of HIV-AIDS, STIs, and Hepatitis at the DIRESA, Carmen Yeren Valencia, emphasized that the main mode of transmission for Hepatitis B is through unprotected sexual relations. Additionally, sharing contaminated personal items such as razor blades, toothbrushes, and nail clippers can also contribute to the spread of the virus. Contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or exposure during surgical or dental procedures with contaminated material are other potential sources of transmission.

Valencia highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing the transmission of Hepatitis B. “If the mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B, she can transmit it to her baby during childbirth. However, this disease can be prevented from birth through vaccination,” she explained. Vaccines are readily available in all health establishments throughout the year and are provided free of charge. It is crucial to receive all three doses of the vaccine to ensure protection against Hepatitis B.

Alarmingly, 70% of individuals who contract Hepatitis B do not exhibit any symptoms until they develop liver cancer or cirrhosis. Therefore, routine discard tests or early detection can be life-saving. Screenings for Hepatitis B are offered free of charge at all health facilities in the region, where qualified personnel are equipped to diagnose and treat the disease. Common symptoms of Hepatitis B include fever, abdominal and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and loss of appetite.

The Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate is urging the public to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of Hepatitis B. By getting vaccinated and seeking early detection, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of developing life-threatening complications associated with this silent disease.

Remember, prevention is key. Stay informed, get vaccinated, and prioritize your health.

Source: Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate

What efforts is the Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate in Peru taking to raise awareness and prevent the spread of Hepatitis B

Hrough contact with infected blood or other body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

Hepatitis B is a global health concern, with an estimated 2 billion people worldwide having been infected with the virus at some point in their lives. In Peru, the incidence of Hepatitis B has been on the rise in recent years, with an average of 16,000 new cases reported annually.

The Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate is working towards raising awareness about the importance of full vaccination against Hepatitis B. The vaccination consists of three doses administered over a period of six months. It is a safe and effective measure that can prevent the transmission of the virus and ultimately save lives.

Valencia highlighted the need for individuals to consult with healthcare providers and get tested for Hepatitis B. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to start treatment and prevent the progression of the disease. Symptoms of Hepatitis B can be mild or absent, making it difficult for individuals to realize they are infected. This is why testing and vaccination are vital.

The Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate is also focusing on educating healthcare professionals, as well as the general population, about the risks and preventive measures associated with Hepatitis B. Proper sanitation practices, such as using sterile needles and practicing safe sex, can greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

By advocating for full vaccination and educating the public, the Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate aims to significantly reduce the number of Hepatitis B cases in the region. Their efforts are crucial in preventing the devastating consequences of cirrhosis and liver cancer, which can result from untreated Hepatitis B infection.

In conclusion, the Ayacucho Regional Health Directorate in Peru is urging individuals to receive full vaccination against Hepatitis B to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus. Through increased awareness, testing, and education, they aim to save lives and minimize the impact of this silent but dangerous disease.