Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one of the five hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E. Dr. Bobby John, Executive Director of Global Health (GHA) explains that all of these viruses cause liver diseases, they differ significantly in terms of epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Every year, about 4 million people develop this chronic infection. Today, about 170 million people worldwide have this chronic infection without treatment In most countries, viral hepatitis is one of the main causes of liver transplantation, where end-stage treatments are expensive and hence access to treatment is limited.
Some at-risk groups are more likely to develop viral hepatitis than others. Hepatitis A and E are more prevalent in societies where food and hygiene are not favorable.
Prevention of viral hepatitis:
Cost-effective measures, such as vaccination, healthy blood transfusions, healthy food, can reduce viral hepatitis infections. Many of these measures not only lead to the reduction of hepatitis virus transmission, but also prevent other infectious diseases. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. In adults, the hepatitis B vaccine. The complete series is required for long-term protection. A booster dose is not recommended at this time. Children need a regular schedule of vaccinations, currently administered with the DPT vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks after birth. Hepatitis C is curable. In many cases, hepatitis C can be cured by using antiviral drugs, but this disease is not treated worldwide due to lack of awareness about this disease.
July 1, 2013 10:19
share (How can you send this article to others)
