providing lifelong immunity is available for the prevention of HAV infection, though no such vaccine is available for HEV, he added.
Prof Dr Ghayas Un Nabi Tayyab from Lahore General Hospital said approximately 1 in 12 persons, or around 400 million people globally, have chronic viral hepatitis and most of them do not know they are infected. Whether in developed countries or under developed countries, people are equally suffering with Hepatitis regardless to any caste or creed, religion or ethnicity, he said.
Prof Dr Muhammad Umar, Principal Rawalpindi Medical College, in his address shared that about 7pc of total population is affected by Hepatitis C. He said treatment success by using conventional interferon and pegylated interferon is very low and we have to adopt new treatment regimes including use of new drug sofosbuvirin. He encouraged the physicians to apply mind in research while treating the patients to render benefits of recent developments.
Prof Dr Aftab Mohsin, Principal of a private medical college, said that Hepatitis is a public health issue and impacts millions of Pakistanis. Viral hepatitis is among the top 10 infectious disease killers. Both chronic Hepatitis B and chronic Hepatitis C cause approximately 80 percent of the liver cancer. Various studies and statistics shows that 5 to 10 percent Pakistani population is affected with Hepatitis, however in some areas this ratio is up to 35 percent, he said.
Hepatitis B & C ratio is 8 - 10 pc and main reasons behind are unnecessary use of syringes, unsafe blood transfusion, usage of unsterile equipments in dental procedures, piercing and other beauty procedures such as pedicure etc. Usage of used blades in shaving is also a one common reasons in rural area. HBV and HCV infections have a potential to turn chronic and cause the fatal complication of cirrhosis of liver if left untreated. HBV and HCV infections area transmitted by infected blood contaminated needles, surgical instruments and very close contact. HBV spread can be prevented by mass vaccination with the available preventive vaccine and in case of infected individuals a very effective suppressive therapy is available with a chance of cure as well.
HCV infection can be treated effectively in a large proportion of people, if detected early. No preventive vaccine is available yet.
Experts said: “We need to implement the relevant laws very strictly specially implantation of ‘Blood transfusion act 2002 and enforcement of infection control SOP’s of healthcare commission act’ in the Public and private healthcare facilities can reduce the ongoing spread of HBV and HCV infection”.
Doctors strongly emphasised the need for developing strong preventive measures, early diagnosis and getting the treatment early if tested positive. Prevention is the key and public offices, media and civil society should play their role in educating all concerned.
Dr Sabin Nasir, Deputy Programme Manager and Usman Ghani Provincial Focal Person Hospital Waste, also addressed the workshop.