One Life, One Liver: Nagaland observes World Hepatitis Day

Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 29

Along with the rest of the World, Dimapur, Mon, Longleng, Phek and Wokha districts under the umbrella of National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) observed World Hepatitis Day on July 28 under the theme “One Life, One Liver.”

In Dimapur, an Awareness and Testing Camp was organised at the conference hall, Hotel Four Seasons. The event was jointly organised by Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) and Dimapur Municipal Council in collaboration with CMO Office Dimapur, National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) Dimapur and DDUN.

Held on the theme, “One Life, One Liver,” this year’s World Hepatitis Day highlighted the importance of liver for a healthy life, and the need to scale up viral hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment to optimize liver health, prevent liver disease and achieve the 2030 hepatitis elimination goals. 

Presenting the figures of hepatitis C and B over the past year, Imti Aier, NVHCP, Dimapur disclosed that 1850 number of screening has been done from July 2022 till July 26, 2023, out of which 347 patients were HCV (hepatitis C virus) positive and 128 patients were HBV (hepatitis B Virus) positive. 256 number of viral load was detected where 252 patients are being treated on HCV and 167 patients have completed their treatment. Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) was done on 50 patients, where 42 patients achieved SVR, meaning they have been cured. Eight patients suffered treatment failure and there were two hepatitis related death for the past year.

Out of the 128 HBV patients, 83 were found eligible for treatment and at present 74 patients are currently under treatment. Four liver deaths have occurred.

Dr Neilasakuo Linyu, Senior Specialist, NVHCP Dimapur delving on this year’s theme said that while we have only one life and one liver, hepatitis can devastate both, as the liver is responsible for over 500 functions. With millions of new infection occurring yearly and most going undetected, he addressed the pressing issue that most symptoms appear only in advanced stage, making it a silent disease with serious consequences.

Despite of the availability of effective and safe intervention for prevention, testing and treatment, only 18% of HBV have been diagnosed and 5% received treatment and 25% of HCV have been diagnosed and 10% received treatment, he informed.

In Nagaland, he disclosed that HCV is transmitted mostly through infected syringe and sexual activity and from mother to daughter. If left undetected, it causes liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, he informed.

With the NVHCP, Dimapur being fully functional for the last one and a half years, he urged the community to come and avail free screenings and treatment, which has a high cure rate of more than 95%, while adding that free treatment is available in all district hospitals.

Addressing the gathering, W Manpai Phom, DMC Administrator, Dimapur said that through such awareness camps, the society needs to take the disease seriously, which if not diagnosed early on, can cause acute and chronic infections and lead to complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

In terms of data figure of the viral hepatitis, he maintained that there was not much difference with COVID-19 which was declared a pandemic in 2020. In terms of COVID, there was much hype, while the other diseases are usually considered a part of life, stated Phom. 

Meanwhile, he also informed of a free screening test at 11 AM tomorrow (Saturday) at the DMC office and urged the gathering to pass on the message.

During the event, Toshiwapang who was diagnosed with hepatitis last year and is now cured from it shared his experience. Robin, DDUN also shared a response on behalf of the community. 

In Longleng, an awareness and screening program was conducted at Bauting Government Higher Secondary school. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Temsusashi, Nodal officer, NVHCP, Longleng highlighted the significance of the day and oriented the participants on the types of Hepatitis, preventive measures, modes of transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. He stated that the event has set stepwise goals, such as- raise awareness about the types of Hepatitis and their transmission process, reinforce the prevention and control of Hepatitis, enhance vaccination drive against Hepatitis B and encourage global response against the disease.

On the occasion, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Longleng, Dr Tiasunep launched the District Action Plan for eliminating Viral Hepatitis by 2030 and delivered his voluntary speech. 

In Phek, the day was observed at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Phek with Dr Chukhusie Nyuwi, DTO Phek as the main speaker.

Limadangit Jamir, Senior Principal, GHSS in his keynote address briefed the gathering on the significance of the day. Dr Nyuwi in his presentation highlighted the mode of transmission of Hepatitis virus, preventive measures of Hepatitis A, shared the epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus & its transmission etc.

Mon district observed World Hepatitis Day at Tammong Village, Gospel Outreach Ministry Rehab Centre. The event was organised in collaboration with Gospel Outreach Ministry Shansham org. & DAPCU, Mon.

Delivering the key note address, Dr Tinenlo James Katiwa, DTO, DACO & Nodal Officer, NVHCP emphasized on the theme “One Life, One Liver.” He said Hepatitis B & C cause liver damage, liver failure and may even lead to death and therefore urged all concerned to take the opportunity provided by the central government and avail the free health services. 

Special guest Dr Vezokholu Theyo, CMO informed that screening on viral hepatitis can be done in all the health and wellness centers of the district and if tested positive, the patient can be treated in District Hospital free of cost. 

In commemoration of the day, awareness session on viral hepatitis was elucidated by Dr AP Lemwang, Nodal Officer Treatment Centre (NVHCP), District Hospital Mon.

In continuation of the ISHTH campaign, health check-up, free medicines and awareness sessions on HIV, STI, and TB were also part of the event. Resource persons include Ngamnyei K ICTC Counsellor, Monglong L, DSRC Counsellor, DH, Mon, Loshon K, HIV/TB Plus Supervisor, NTEP.

At Wokha, World Hepatitis Day cum district review meeting was held at CMO Conference Hall on July 26. Chief Medical Officer Wokha, Dr Zubenthung Kikon spoke on the availability of health services related to hepatitis in the district and highlighted that the recent Integrated STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis campaign conducted by District AIDS Control Programme Unit (DAPCU) Wokha indicates high prevalence of Hepatitis C in the district. 

He also emphasised on testing and referrals of Hepatitis C cases at health centres in the district.