Morung Express News
Kohima | November 9
Stressing on the need to address the growing cases of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Nagaland, an orientation meeting on Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV) and Hepatitis C Vaccine (HCV) was held on November 9 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
Jointly organised by the Nagaland Users Network (NUN), NNP+, HePCON and ARK Foundation, the resource person for the programme was Dr. Asa Savino from Bethel Medical Center.
Unless a mechanism is developed to follow up on cases, Dr. Savino viewed that the increasing cases of Hepatitis B and C cannot be tackled. “Despite the small population of Nagaland, people infected with Hepatitis C in Nagaland is huge,” informed Dr. Savino, who cited his center’s encounter with almost 100 cases of Hepatitis B per year and at least 50 cases of Hepatitis C annually. While many carriers of Hepatitis B do not require treatment, almost every case of Hepatitis C is treated.
The physician however informed that Hepatitis C cure has become very high, which is a positive outcome that people need to be aware of.
Dr Savino said it is crucial for people to understand the gravity of the situation as many patients are not aware that they are carriers of this virus. He warned that if left untreated, the Hepatitis C virus can lead to severe complications.
Providing information on the HCV and HBV, Dr. Savino also highlighted the support and understanding required for the patients—family support; understanding their psychological status and socio-economic status, where the poor are not able to avail treatment in Nagaland due to lack of medical treatment in remote areas; and lack of transportation facilities.
The importance of following up after diagnosis and treatment was also highlighted. “Making people understand the disease is very important,” said Dr. Savino, adding that although literate, many Nagas are still ignorant on such conditions.
Compared to HIV and AIDS, the prevalence rate of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B have increased over the years; however till date neither the state government nor the central government has implemented any programs or policy to tackle the growing prevalence rate.
Following the orientation meeting, Ketho Angami, President, ARK Foundation informed that in a few weeks, the joint collaboration hopes to open up a facilitating clinic at FPAI, Nagaland for the testing and treatment of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Free test kits will be provided. The lack of survey and data on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C was also pointed out during the discussion, with the ARK Foundation President estimating a prevalence rate of 30 percent in Nagaland.
Dr. Savino meanwhile suggested training of one person in each district to assess and monitor HCV and HBV; identifying a responsible doctor; and distributing awareness pamphlets in hospitals.
Over the years, despite the increase in the prevalence rate, the treatment of Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B has become affordable as well as treatable. “The outcomes of the treated patients are good. Almost every patient, except the few who failed to follow up, have successfully cleared the virus,” said Dr. Savino.
While the cost for treatment in the past amounted to Rs 3-4 lakhs, Dr. Savino informed that today the price of treatment has gone down by almost 90 percent.
