Political & administrative support needed to combat Viral Hepatitis

July 29, 2023 16 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 29

The need for strong political and administrative support to address the issue of Viral Hepatitis was stressed on today during the observance of World Hepatitis Day 2023 at Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima under the theme ‘We’re not waiting,’ ‘Addressing Viral Hepatitis and HIV Co-Infection together.’

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ritu Thurr, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Nagaland viewed that strong political and administrative support is needed for success of any programmes, activities and missions.

“We have to address this issue (Viral Hepatitis) at the highest level (Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary levels),” he said, adding that uninterrupted financial backup is also needed to achieve the goal. “We have to create awareness and sensitize our community,” he said.

Dr Thurr informed that in 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a declaration to eliminate viral Hepatitis by 2030. India is one of the signatories of this international declaration.

He informed that the Government of India has launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) in a strategic manner for prevention and control of viral Hepatitis with a view to provide free screening, diagnostic treatment and counseling services to all people, especially high risk groups.

‘Hepatitis is preventable, treatable’
Since 2016, many countries have reduced incidence of Hepatitis B infection by using the Hepatitis B vaccine. Dr Thurr informed that there has been increase in the number of people receiving Hepatitis B treatment.

Globally, there are around 350 million people living with the life threatening infection of viral Hepatitis, he said adding that one person dies every 30 second due to viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is one of the most devastating diseases but it is preventable and treatable with services, that is available easily and cheaply at primary health centre level, he said.

He also informed that free screening, diagnostic facility, treatment as well as counseling service are available to prevent Hepatitis.

Meanwhile, Dr Thurr informed that Nagaland has received diagnostic facilities under the 15th Finance Commission and it will be in place soon at all Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres across the state.

‘Speak to healthcare provider to protect from Hepatitis’
Dr M Nukshisangla Jamir, State Nodal Officer, NVHCP said “You’ve only got one life, and you’ve only got one liver. Hepatitis can devastate both.”

“Your liver silently performs over 500 vital functions every single day to keep you alive. But viral Hepatitis infection is also silent, with symptoms only appearing once the disease is advanced,” Dr Jamir said in her keynote address.

She informed that Hepatitis B and C are most concerning and cause nearly 8000 new infections every day, which are mostly going undetected.

Dr Jamir stated that over one million hepatitis-related deaths were reported every single year and one new chronic infection every ten seconds.

Stating that so many Hepatitis deaths could be prevented, she said “there are vaccines and effective treatments for Hepatitis B and even a cure for Hepatitis C.” She called upon the people to speak to their local healthcare provider to find out how to protect oneself from Hepatitis.

Dr. Jamir also highlighted the Hepatitis status in Nagaland from 2019-2023 (See Box).

Way Forward
Dr Jamir stressed on the need for continued efforts towards attaining SDG 3, Target 3.3, scale-up advocacy and sensitization through IEC, strengthening inter-sectoral co-ordinations, trainings and capacity building, strengthening integration among National Health Programmes and partner organizations, promote early registration of all pregnancies, promote institutional deliveries, leverage on U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and develop synergy and coordination with private hospitals, FOGSI and IAP.

This year World Hepatitis Day in Kohima was jointly organized by Kripa Foundation, NVHCP, Government of Nagaland, CDC, PATH and CAD Foundation.

Dr Kughavi Yeptho, Medical Advisor, Project Sunshine, PATH spoke on HIV & Viral Hepatitis while Renbonthung Tungoe of Kripa Foundation spoke on community perspective.

Meghraj Lama of Kripa Foundation spoke on the significance of World Hepatitis Day. The programme also witnessed personal sharing from Mezhuvolie. Khrievotsonuo Terhase, Counselor, Adolescence Friendly Clinic Kripa Foundation chaired the function.