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