HEPATITIS C is a viral infection of the liver with grave consequences as liver failure and liver cancer. Globally 2 billion people are infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 170 million persons are chronically infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), states a recent issue of the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association.

Some studies done in Pakistan suggest the prevalence of both diseases to be between two to ten per cent. Important factors contributing to the spread of HBV and HCV include, unsafe use of injections, blood transfusion, shaving by barbers, tattooing, mother to child and unsafe sex practices.

Razor sharing and shaving from barbers is a key risk factor for spread of HBV and HCV. To assess the knowledge of barbers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, a study was conducted regarding the spread of HBV and HCV. Of the 96 barbers approached only 12 knew that Hepatitis was a disease of the liver and could be transmitted through the razor. Sixty-one claimed that they used new razors for every customer, while only 18 sterilized their instruments. All of them disposed off their used blades in municipal bins or open places.

Actual observation showed that 46 per cent barbers reused the blades without sterilization. Such practices enhance the transmission of pathogens from one person to another. A change in practices of barbers by sensitizing them will have a direct impact on risk reduction for HBV and HCV. As the level of knowledge on disease is low in barbers, there is a dire need to increase awareness through mass media and by health education of barbers and regulation of their practices. — Dr Fatema Jawad