News
Hepatitis Kills 1.5m Annually –WHA
As the world marks the World Hepatitis Day, today, the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) a global interventimist group of professional united in checking mortality caused by the killer health condition, says some 1.5million people die every year from hepatitis B or C.
A report made available by WHA to mark this year;s world Hepatitis Day, today, shows that one out of 12 persons live with either hepatitis B or C globally, making the disease prevalence higher than that of HIV and any form of cancer.
Hepatitis is a disease which affects the liver and can lead to scarring (arrhosis) if left untreated and unmanaged. Other complication such as liver cancer or liver failure could occur due to prolonged and repeated infections.
Consequently, the WHA set aside may 19 every year as world Hepatitis day to arouse global awareness of the need to encourage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C.
The report also shows that approximately 170million people, representing one in every 12 persons suffer the disease, which formed the basis for the 2008 world Hepatitis Day “ Am I number 12”? campaign.
Experts say liver disease could be caused by a number of factors including alcohol and medications, which can be harmful to the liver as well as viruses and bacteria which cause the infections.
Other conditions that cause liver damage and inflammation, the report says, include genetic and metabolic disorders, immune-related injuries and obesity.
Senior matron in the female medical ward, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Mrs Chinwe Onyegbadue said some of the symptoms of the disease include, loss of appetite and sleep, weakness, yellow discolouration of the eyes, fever, itching of the body, nausea and vomiting.
She blamed the fatal nature of the disease to sufferers who do not seek medical help early enough.
The senior matron advised that to prevent the condition, people should ensure proper personal hygiene, avoid the use of unsterilised needles and syringes, maintain clean environment, report illnesses early and shun the use of herbal mixture and unprescribed drugs.
She also advised health workers to employ universal best practices to protect themselves against the infection.
Tonye Nria-Dappa
News
Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama
News
Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants
News
NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff
-
Sports4 days ago
CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo
-
Sports4 days ago
FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa
-
Sports4 days ago
NPFL club name Iorfa new GM
-
Sports4 days ago
NNL abolishes playoffs for NPFL promotion
-
Sports4 days ago
NSF: Early preparations begin for 2026 National Sports Festival
-
Sports4 days ago
Kwara Hopeful To Host Confed Cup in Ilorin
-
Sports4 days ago
RSG Award Renovation Work At Yakubu Gowon Stadium
-
Politics4 days ago
Rivers Assembly Resumes Sitting After Six-Month Suspension