Hamad Medical Corporation Recognizes World Hepatitis Day

Doha, July 29 (QNA) - To mark World Hepatitis Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is working to raise awareness of the disease in order to prevent new infections and to deliver real improvements in health outcomes for people living with the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.4 million deaths are attributed to hepatitis each year. While it is possible for a person to have hepatitis without exhibiting any symptoms, some hepatitis viruses, most notably types B, C and D, can lead to chronic and debilitating illnesses such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. "Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The complexity of hepatitis disease lies in the existence of the different types of viruses. Hepatitis A and E are foodborne and waterborne infections which cause millions of cases of acute illness every year. Whereas hepatitis B, C, and D are spread by infected body fluids, including blood, and have a greater health burden in terms of death because they can cause life-long infection," says Dr. Moutaz Derbala, Consultant Gastroenterology & Hepatology at HMC. Hepatitis A is a common infection in many parts of the world where sanitation and sewage infrastructure is poor. Often people become infected with hepatitis A by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B and C are most commonly passed through blood and other bodily fluids. "Symptoms of hepatitis A and B are similar and may include flu-like illness, nausea, abdominal pains, fever and feeling generally unwell. Patients may also present with jaundice due to a build-up of the chemical bilirubin. Both forms of the disease are preventable through vaccination. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection," says Dr. Derbala. While hepatitis A and B generally do not require treatment as most healthy adults clear the infection spontaneously, chronic hepatitis B can be managed through drug therapy. Conversely, if left untreated, hepatitis C can become chronic and cause scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis. A liver transplant is the only cure for cirrhosis. "Hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. As there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, prevention of infections is very important. Preventative measures include avoiding drug abuse, sharing toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers," says Dr. Derbala. "It is also important to use licensed tattoo and piercing studios." According to Dr. Derbala, greater access to vaccine and treatment, and more public education, are needed to reduce the worldwide incidence of hepatitis. "There is a real need, on a global level, to widen access to both vaccination and treatment for hepatitis. There is also a need to lessen the stigma around viral hepatitis by highlighting the prevalence and indiscriminate nature of the disease", added Dr. Derbala. (QNA)