Do Good. Get Tested For Hepatitis.
The month of July is mostly known for International Mandela Day. This day is associated with acts of kindness, such as volunteering to help the elderly, thanking a colleague for helping you out, or even taking care of yourself. July is also World Hepatitis Day and one act of kindness is to get tested for Hepatitis as an act of kindness for you and others. According to the World Health Organisation, about 325 million people worldwide are living with Hepatitis. Hepatitis is not only viral, one can also get Hepatitis from excessive alcohol consumption which can cause liver damage and inflammation. Overuse or overdose of medications and exposure to poisons can also cause Hepatitis.
Hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver resulting in a range of health problems that can be fatal. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, namely: A, B, C, D and E. While they all may cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, the severity of the illness, geographical distribution, and prevention methods. Types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths. Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination and over the years scientists are constantly developing vaccines that will help curb the spread of Hepatitis in communities.
This year WHO’s theme for World Hepatitis Day is “Hepatitis-free future” by 2030 and this is only achievable with a united global effort by doing the following:
- PREVENT INFECTION AMONG NEWBORNS.
- LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND.
- EXPAND ACCESS TO TESTING AND TREATMENT.
- MAINTAIN ESSENTIAL HEPATITIS SERVICES DURING COVID-19.
KNOW YOUR ABC’S OF HEPATITIS.
VIRAL HEPATITIS IS AN INFLAMMATION OFTHE LIVER DUE TO A VIRAL INFECTION.
