Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 26
Nagaland observed World Hepatitis Day here at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on July 26 under the theme ‘Invest in eliminating Hepatitis’ and encouraged the people to come forward to access Hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment services
In commemoration of the Day, Minister for Health & Family welfare S. Pangnyu Phom launched ‘Roll out of Hepatitis C Treatment’ at Model Treatment Centre, NHAK.
“With the roll out of Hepatitis C treatment, we are looking into the need to ensure that Hepatitis testing and treatment plans with dedicated funding and investment,” he said.
The Minister said that viral Hepatitis is now being recognized as a major public health problem in India.
“It marks the beginning of India’s initiative towards eliminating the diseases as a public health threat. The key strategies adopted under the programme include preventive and promotive interventions with focus on generating awareness, promoting diagnosis and providing management of viral Hepatitis to all in need,” he said.
“Our state of Nagaland has successfully demonstrated their dedication in Reproductive and Child Health and Communicable Diseases which has resulted in positive outcomes. We now need to replicate such attention to addressing viral Hepatitis,” he said.
Co-ordination and collaboration with different department will be one of the key strategies to address the issue of viral Hepatitis, he said.
The Minister said that National Viral Hepatitis Control Program under National Health Mission is one of the new initiatives by Government of India.
Initially the focus was to provide treatment for Viral Hepatitis C along with various other preventive aspects like awareness generation, safe blood and blood products, injection safety and infection control.
He informed that lifelong treatment for Hepatitis B will also be provided very soon.
“I believe that investing in Hepatitis is a smart decision for broader health outcome and preventing liver cancer,” he said.
Challenging the people to join the cause to help people, he said “Stop ignorance and neglect of viral hepatitis-share information about it. Educate yourself and others to learn risks for Viral Hepatitis, access testing services and treatment services.”
“If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B or C speak with your health provider about potential treatment, monitoring and curative treatment. If detected early, the risk of chronic illnesses and financial burden for you and your family can be averted. Take action today,” the minister urged.
He also look forward to reducing morbidity and mortality due to viral Hepatitis and achieve the goal of ending viral Hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country.
‘Hepatitis is preventable, treatable’
Dr. Vezokholü Theyo, state nodal officer, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, Nagaland said that Hepatitis is preventable, treatable and in the case of Hepatitis C, curable. However, over 80% people living with Hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment service.
Dr. Theyo said investment in Hepatitis elimination would lead to a 1.5% increase in the global health price tag but such investment would bring greater returns on better general health outcomes.
“Funding Hepatitis testing and treatment services as part of UHC efforts can cut global deaths by 5% and increase healthy life years by about 10% by 2030,” she said.
Dr. Theyo also said that investment in Hepatitis testing and treatment contribute to preventing liver cancer, adding that 60% of liver cancer cases are due to late treatment and treatment of viral Hepatitis B and C infection.
Currently, 90% of people living with Hepatitis B and 80% living with Hepatitis C are not aware of their status.
“With the availability of effective vaccines and treatment for Hepatitis B and a cure for Hepatitis C, the elimination of viral Hepatitis is achievable, but greater awareness and understanding of the disease and the risks is must,” said Theyo.
Nagaland selected as Hepatitis Sentinel Site Lab
Dr. Margaret Yhome, microbiologist NHAK said the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has selected Nagaland as Hepatitis Sentinel site lab. A MoU has already been signed in this regard. It will be located at NHAK.
The central ministry with NCDC, New Delhi will support the sentinel site lab in terms of equipment and training, she said.
Abou Mere, president NNaga DAO said that early diagnosis and prevention is required to ensure that nobody should get new infection of Hepatitis.
He also stressed on the need for the collaborative effort of the line departments and work in unison to eliminate Hepatitis.
Dr. Imtisunep Jamir, medicine specialist, MTC in-charge highlighted the treatment services for NVHCP.
The function was chaired by Dr. Thorhusie Katiry, managing director NHAK. Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao, mission director National Health Mission, Nagaland delivered welcome address while Dr. Thanghoi Lam, state programme officers National Health Mission Nagaland proposed vote of thanks.
