All across the world, the World Hepatitis Day is a chance to call for a change in attitude towards viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B and C affects 500 million people leading to chronic liver disease and complications. Nearly 1.5 million people every year die because of hepatitis worldwide. In Pakistan, 10.25 million people are harbouring either hepatitis B or C virus that is 1 in every 13 persons.
The World Hepatitis Day was held at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) and the slogan of this year’s is Hepatitis: Think Again.
The SIUT arranged an elaborate programme to increase public awareness and screen population for hepatitis. This programme was meant to motivate the public to play their role in stopping the spread of this disease in the community. During this activity, a comprehensive questionnaire was filled by the people visiting SIUT to identify the risk of hepatitis. A detailed awareness video presentation was shown which helped the people to identify the risk of hepatitis, mode of transmission and the preventive measures.
In conjunction with an awareness programme, the SIUT organised a free blood tests and abdominal ultrasound for the purpose of screening. On the occasion, the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine was given to the attendees.
During the whole day activity, a consultation with the specialist doctor and dietician were arranged, whereas the participants took part in question and answer session with great interest.
