Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): To raise awareness about the Hepatitis virus in general, Zion Hospital and Research Centre and MSD Fulford (India) organized an awareness programme for students of Delhi Public School in Dimapur today. This is part of the commemoration of World Hepatitis Week. Dr. Tali Longkumker gave a power point presentation about Hepatitis; its causes, effects and prevention. A brief presentation about HIV and AIDS was given by Dr. Mhabemo Lotha.
Dr. Longkumer pointed out that Hepatitis kills more than one million people every year. Millions more suffer immediate sickness or long-term ill health. Hepatitis is recognised as a major global health problem, affecting more than 500 million people. Among the most common type of viral Hepatitis, Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ are the most dangerous. Hepatitis generally affects the vital organ liver, thus affecting its functioning, he said.
He said that although vaccination for Hepatitis B has become compulsory under the Universal Immunization Programme, India is still struggling to cope with the virus since it is expensive.
Dr. Longkumer said further that Hepatitis, though a deadly disease is preventable by taking precautions. Like HIV, Hepatitis B is mostly spread through sexual route; and also through needle sharing and blood transfusion. Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Hepatitis C can also spread through sexual routes. Dr. Longkumer said that about 2000 people have tested for Hepatitis B in Zion Hospital, out of which 3% of the total have tested positive. He said the State so far has no recorded data about the number of Hepatitis cases.
Dr. Lotha also pointed out that, HIV unlike other diseases has no cure or vaccine for protection against the virus. With 80% transmission through sexual route, Dr. Lotha advised the students to live a responsible life. A free Hepatitis camp was held at the hospital. The blood samples testing positive will be send for second reference to Delhi.
Dr. Longkumer pointed out that Hepatitis kills more than one million people every year. Millions more suffer immediate sickness or long-term ill health. Hepatitis is recognised as a major global health problem, affecting more than 500 million people. Among the most common type of viral Hepatitis, Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ are the most dangerous. Hepatitis generally affects the vital organ liver, thus affecting its functioning, he said.
He said that although vaccination for Hepatitis B has become compulsory under the Universal Immunization Programme, India is still struggling to cope with the virus since it is expensive.
Dr. Longkumer said further that Hepatitis, though a deadly disease is preventable by taking precautions. Like HIV, Hepatitis B is mostly spread through sexual route; and also through needle sharing and blood transfusion. Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Hepatitis C can also spread through sexual routes. Dr. Longkumer said that about 2000 people have tested for Hepatitis B in Zion Hospital, out of which 3% of the total have tested positive. He said the State so far has no recorded data about the number of Hepatitis cases.
Dr. Lotha also pointed out that, HIV unlike other diseases has no cure or vaccine for protection against the virus. With 80% transmission through sexual route, Dr. Lotha advised the students to live a responsible life. A free Hepatitis camp was held at the hospital. The blood samples testing positive will be send for second reference to Delhi.
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