ISLAMABAD: More than 15 million people are living with hepatitis B and C in Pakistan which goes to show that the prevalence of hepatitis B in the country is around 5pc, while that of hepatitis C is 2.5pc.

However, an overwhelming majority of the population is unaware about how the viral infection can be prevented, treated and in the case of hepatitis C, cured, Dr Mohammad Naseer, a gastroenterologist at Shifa International Hospital, shared these views on World Hepatitis Day (WHD).

WHD is observed each year on July 28 to spread awareness about the viral disease, which causes inflammation in the liver and can lead to a range of health problems, including liver cancer. Around 325 million people, all over the world are living with viral hepatitis B and C.

“There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. Together, hepatitis B and C cause of 1.4 million deaths each year,” Dr Naseer said.

According to Dr Nadeem Iqbal, this year’s theme is ‘Hepatitis-free future’, with a strong focus on preventing hepatitis B (HBV) among mothers and newborns. While talking about major risk factors, he said: “Therapeutic injections, syringe reuse, surgery, improper sterilisation of invasive medical devices, blood transfusion, hospitalisation, and sharing of razors are modes of transmission of the B and C infection. However, early detection and treatment can save the lives of patients.”

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2020