THIS is with reference to the report ‘World Hepatitis Day to focus on efforts to eliminate disease by 2030’ (July 28). Media over the last few years has generally raised its voice in favour of pre-marital blood screening for thalassaemia and hepatitis even though I have seen people calling such an idea ‘insulting’. Certain laws have been passed in this regard, but they remain unimplemented.

We must commit to learning more about hepatitis to fight this disease in the country. While any awareness campaign has to be culturally sensitive, we must focus on the issue of health on scientific grounds.

According to an estimate by the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 12 million people in Pakistan have hepatitis B or C. Sadly, the majority of people remain unaware of their condition, leading to a cycle of transmission from one generation to another.

Hepatitis B and C may be transmitted between partners, and, therefore, in the absence of any mandatory pre-marital screening by the government, individuals should opt for voluntary screening.

It should be noted that there is a vaccine available for hepatitis B, but there is no cure. However, treatment can control viral replication and people can live a normal productive life. For hepatitis C, cure with treatment is possible.

Therefore, learning about your hepatitis B and C status should not be scary. It will not only help people, but it will also protect one’s partner and their children. Hepatitis B can commonly transmit from mother to child during birth, but if the mother’s status is known during pregnancy, a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine protects the baby against the virus.

Children infected with this virus have significantly higher chances of developing chronic infection. In majority of cases, this chronic infection without intervention in a timely manner can lead to severe liver disease, cancer and death.

A study by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore analysed liver cancer patients of the hospital in 2007 and found that 61 per cent of the patients had prior hepatitis B or C infection.

Prevention is better than cure, and, in the case of an infectious disease, early detection is also part of prevention and is critical in breaking the cycle of transmission.

We should find our hepatitis status by opting for voluntary screening, and ensure that we and our dear ones are vaccinated against hepatitis B. Also, we should stay away at all costs from high-risk behaviour involving invasive contaminated equipment or products.

Mariam Khan
Lahore

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2021