Hepatitis- The silent major threat to public health

July 29, 2022 54 Views No Comment

Concern on high prevalence of HCV in Nagaland state highlighted

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 29

Considered as a silent major threat to public health, viral Hepatitis (HCV) is prevalent amongst the populace, especially among the key population where co-infection of HIV and HCV is common among the high risk group.

With 2.04% prevalence of HIV in the state and among 65,730 people screened and tested for HIIV, Dimapur has the highest number of HIV infected with 710 followed by Tuensang 203 and Kohima 180. (see table)

HIV prevalence and HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) positive amongst pregnant women stands at 0.66% while HBV and HCV amongst the general clients stand at 1.08% and 1.03%.

This data was provided by Dr M Nukshisangla Jamir, Nodal Officer for National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) during the observation of the World Hepatitis Day on the theme ‘bringing hepatitis care loser to you.’ The programme was jointly organised by NVHCP, Kripa Foundation and Nagaland Users Network (NUN) at Red Cross building, Kohima.

Presenting an overview of NHCP Nagaland, Dr Jamir expressed grave concern on the high prevalence of HCV in the state. She informed that plans are on the pipeline to train nurses for testing and also conduct capacity building programmes.

In the discussion hour, she also assured that the Nagaland State Viral Hepatitis steering committee will soon have a meeting and discuss the concerns and issues to tackle HCV.

Describing Wokha district as a zone for HCV, Renbonthung Tongoe, Kripa Foundation informed that through a social network module initiated by them in April 2022 Wokha was found with 15.55% of Hep-C among Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) and Pungro with 5.55%.

Speaking as the special guest, Dr Thorhusie Katiry, Managing Director, NHM observed that viral hepatitis still remains relatively poorly understood despite the availability of statistics.

He informed that the prevalence of hepatitis on a global scale is staggering wherein 12 million people worldwide are affected and over a million die each year while many experience reduced quality of life as a result of chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

“Hepatitis can’t be ignored,” asserted Dr Katiry adding “we have a long way to go but we are heading in the right direction.” He urged upon collective efforts towards prevention of hepatitis and its related liver diseases through education and vaccination, and also increase testing and treat hepatitis – a treatable disease and curable in some cases.

Progress in prevention & treatment faltering
There is a long way to reach the 2030 goal as progress in prevention and treatment is faltering around the state, putting hundreds of people in grave danger.

This was stated by Abou Mere, Director, Kripa Foundation in his opening remarks for discussion on the challenges and way forward.

He viewed “if we are not making rapid progress then we are losing ground, and my face devastating consequences” asserting that an urgent action needs to be taken to tackle the inequalities which drive the viral hepatitis.

Mere pointed out that currently, only hepatitis testing, viral load test and treatment (medicine) are provided free but many base-line investigation/diagnostics are provided which are many are unable to afford.

“Hepatitis prevention is not just health department responsibility,” he stated pointing out that line department such as Swacch Bharat Mission Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, Rural Department, PHED etc need to play their roles in addressing Hepatitis A & C.

While requesting inputs and suggestions to strengthening the viral hepatitis programme, Mere said many things can be replicated from HIV programme in close collaboration with its development partner in addressing hepatitis testing and confirmation in rural areas, wherein at present hepatitis are unable to reach.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/hepatitis-the-silent-major-threat-to-public-health