Introduction:
World Health Organization (WHO) has designated a global day of action to raise awareness about all types of hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) and diseases caused by it. WHO also seeks to enhance people’s understanding of hepatitis, as it may bring serious consequences – may Allah forbid – such as fibrosis or liver cancer, turning it into a global health burden.
Facts About Hepatitis:
- The most common symptoms of all hepatitis types include jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark urine, nausea and vomiting.
- Almost everyone recovers fully from hepatitis A with a lifelong immunity.
- The risk of hepatitis A infection is associated with a lack of safe water, poor sanitation and hygiene (such as dirty hands).
- A person can get HDV only if he/she already has HBV.
- HDV and HBV are transmitted through contact with various body fluids of an infected person.
- HBV, HCV and HDV are transmitted through blood, sharing of unsterile sharps, unsafe injection, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, as well as transfusion of blood and blood products.
- HCV is not spread through breast milk, food, water or by casual contact and sharing food or drinks with an infected person.
- To prevent HCV and HDV, take HAV and HBV vaccines.
Statistics:
- 11 countries carry almost 50% of the global burden of chronic hepatitis:
Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, Viet Nam.
- 17 countries have high prevalence and together with the above, account for 70% of the global burden:
Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.
World Day Objectives:
The World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to add momentum to all efforts to implement the WHO's first global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis for 2016-2021 and help Member States achieve the final goal - to eliminate hepatitis. Activities and awareness are designed to:
- Leverage political engagement at the World Health Assembly 2016.
- Showcase emerging national responses to hepatitis in heavy burden countries.
- Encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
- Highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO's Global hepatitis report of 2017.
- Release new information on national responses in 28 countries with the heaviest burden, in support of the "Eliminate hepatitis" campaign.
World Day Date:
Global (Georgian Calendar): 28th July 2017.
Local (Hijri Calendar): 5th Dhul a'dah 1438A.H.
Target Groups (Type):
- Infected persons.
- Their families.
- Healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
- Educational professionals, such as teachers, social workers..etc.
- Healthcare decision-makers.
- Healthcare assemblies and organizations.
- Wider community.
References:
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