KARACHI: A large turnout of the public from a variety of walks of life was witnessed at Sindh Institute of and Transplantation (SIUT) on Friday to avail the free screening and diagnostic facilities for Hepatitis on the World Hepatitis Day.
The theme announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for this year “Eliminate Hepatitis” pledging to wipe out the diseases globally by 2030.
Like previous years the prime objective to observe the day and chalk out a day-long programme was to raise awareness regarding the global issue of Hepatitis, to influence real changes and to create awareness among masses about the disease.
As fighting Hepatitis C is a big challenge for the country, a recent change in the treatment of oral medications has revolutionised the treatment response to the diseases. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment can bring about long lasting results. Eliminating hepatitis C from Pakistan is achievable target if combined efforts are made in the right direction.
During the day-long proceedings, visitors were screened for hepatitis C, received hepatitis B vaccination and went through ultrasound of the abdomen to ascertain the possibility for any liver disease. Moreover, the visitors were shown awareness videos in their different languages to educate about the mode of transmission, treatment and preventive methods of hepatitis including the use of boiled water for drinking, practice of hand washing before eating and after using washroom and changing diapers, using new syringes, razor blades and sterilized used of dental and surgical equipment in case of any procedure and restricting use of other person’s belonging was also stressed.
Medical experts specialising in the field of Hepatitis treatment and liver diseases were on the spot to answer the queries of the visitors. A healthy change in the basic lifestyle and comprehensive dietary advice was also extended to visitors as a part of preventive measures.
