15% tested positive for hepatitis B, C at Shifa

Islamabad: An alarming 15 per cent of the people who visited Shifa International Hospital (SIH) on Friday in connection with a World Hepatitis Day event tested positive for Hepatitis B and C at a free screening camp established by the hospital.

In addition to organising an awareness seminar for patients and the general public, SIH had made arrangements for free screening for HBV and HCC, and free consultancy for patients by qualified gastroenterologists. The fact that 15 per cent of the people who availed free screening ended up being diagnosed with Hepatitis B and C, offers compelling evidence for the public and private sectors to launch a campaign for Hepatitis-free Pakistan by providing preventive vaccine to the public at affordable prices.

 “Currently, 90% of the people living with Hepatitis B and 80% living with Hepatitis C are not aware of their status. This situation predisposes them to fatal liver disease at some point in their lives and in some cases, unknowingly transmitting the infection to others,” consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at SIH Dr. Farzana Shafqat stated.

Dr. Farzana said, people acquire HBV and HCV infection through transfusion and transplant. Perinatal transmission is a major means of transmission in high prevalence populations. Newborns of long-term carriers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, healthcare workers, prisoners and other institutionalised people also acquire HBV and HCV infection. Highlighting the clinical features of chronic liver disease, she said, fatigue, vascular spiders, enlarged or shrunken liver, enlarged spleen, finger clubbing, ascites and bruising are some of the key symptoms.

Consultant Internal Medicine at SIH Dr. Shahzad Khan Siddique said, Pakistan carries one of the world’s highest burdens of chronic hepatitis and mortality due to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinomas. An estimated 4 million Pakistanis have been exposed to Hepatitis B virus and about 8 million to Hepatitis C virus. “The elimination of viral Hepatitis is not just a public health goal; it is an individual goal for millions of men, women and children across the world. Every single person could be affected by viral Hepatitis and we all have a part to play to achieve elimination,” he stated.

Dr. Shahzad added that with the availability of effective vaccines and treatments for Hepatitis B and a cure for Hepatitis C, the elimination of viral Hepatitis is achievable, but greater awareness and understanding of the disease and the risks is a must, as is access to cheaper diagnostics and treatment.

 “Highly effective recombinant vaccines are now available. Vaccine can be given to those who are at increased risk of HBV infection. It is also given routinely to neonates as universal vaccination in many countries. Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) may be used to protect persons who are exposed to Hepatitis B. It may also be given to neonates who are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B. Other measures include screening of blood donors, blood and body fluid precautions,” he added.

Dr. Shahzad urged the public to avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances. He also warned against use of personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or glucose monitors. He dismissed the myth that Hepatitis B and C can spread by sharing eating utensils, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing.