Practicing Awareness: World Hepatitis Day (July 28, 2020)
Hepatitis is a global health
threat affecting approximately 290 million citizens worldwide. It is considered to be
one hundred times more infectious than HIV.
Hepatitis is treatable and highly
preventable. However, despite technological innovations, it is still taking
lives by the millions. This means that it can affect the lives of 4,000
individuals per day. It is time to let the world lift the stigma of hepatitis
together by ensuring that every person is equipped with the right armour to
battle this illness.
As World Hepatitis Day (July
28) approaches, let us raise arms and help each other in increasing awareness
against the disease, breaking its cycle, and the debilitating ripple effect it
creates within the population.
Here are two simple yet effective
ways to get involved in raising awareness and destigmatizing the disease.
1. Disease Education
Lack of knowledge is the major
contributor to any disease’s ability to create a widespread outbreak in every
continent. The significance of hepatitis is underappreciated by the public,
especially those in the rural population. Lack of resources, education, and
access to free health care limit their fighting chance.
Both lay and health professionals
play a critical role in spreading awareness.
● Health Workers can share their knowledge of the disease, such as its effects, symptoms, and, most importantly, identifying who is at risk. They can educate people while also teaching them how to become a healthcare navigator so that they can pass on this knowledge. This results in the branching of information, passing it from one person to another, and then eventually ending up on the right ears and mind.
● People can help even from the comforts of their couches. They can spread awareness online by sharing relevant information about the disease, sharing hepatitis webinars, vaccination dates, testing procedures, and other activities launched by accredited organizations.
No matter how small it is, no
action is irrelevant. Every share, like, and comment can save a life.
2. Vaccination and Management
Viral hepatitis tends to progress
into liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. However, the disease is
not called the “silent killer” for nothing. It is notorious for being
symptomless as it attacks your body and immune system. Before you know it, the
virus has already progressed.
Fortunately, proper prevention,
care, and treatment reduce the progression of hepatitis into liver cancer. The
key is early detection and vaccination. Since everyone is at risk of
contracting hepatitis A and B, vaccination against them is encouraged for
children 1 year of age and infants at birth, respectively.
Currently, there is still no
known vaccine for HCV. However, you can reduce your risk by avoiding activities
that might expose you to the virus, such as the sharing of needles or
accidental needle-prick.
As adults, you can also take
action by having yourself tested, getting vaccinated, and promoting vaccination
to enhance disease management.
Conclusion
World Hepatitis Day is not just
for the people living with the disease or their family and friends. It is for
everyone and the future.
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