World Hepatitis Day 2017: Disease affects 400 mn people worldwide, over 10 times the HIV epidemic

Dr Suresh Singhvi

New Delhi: Viral hepatitis infection is widely spread, affecting 400 million people worldwide – over 10 times the number of people infected with HIV.

Globally, about 1.4 million people die each year from hepatitis. It is estimated that only 5% of people with chronic hepatitis know of their infection, and less than 1% have access to treatment.

Yet, hepatitis is fully preventable and treatable. There are effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B, and over 90% of people with hepatitis C can be cured with treatment. The advent of new medicines for Hepatitis C, has ensured cure for many infected patients.

Know hepatitis - Are you at risk?

Anyone could be at risk of hepatitis due to the size of the global epidemic (at least 10 times the HIV epidemic).

Hepatitis B and C infections are transmitted through contaminated blood as well as through contaminated needles and syringes in healthcare setting and among people who inject drugs. The viruses can also be transmitted through unsafe sex and from an infected mother to her newborn child.

With better information and knowledge about hepatitis risks, people can prevent themselves from getting infected and passing the infection on to others. To do this, people should seek testing and learn if they need treatment.

Know hepatitis - Get tested in hospitals

Increasing access to hepatitis testing is key to scaling up hepatitis treatment and care. The test involves blood test which can be done in many hospitals in India.

An estimated 95% of people with hepatitis are unaware of their infection, in part due to a lack of awareness and access to testing services in countries.

Know hepatitis - Access treatment with specialists

In India most people who need treatment have not been treated, largely due to a lack of awareness, and access to hepatitis diagnosis and treatment.

Over 90% of people with hepatitis C can be completely cured of the virus within 3-6 months.

Appropriate treatment of hepatitis B and C can prevent the development of the major life-threatening complications of chronic liver disease - cirrhosis and liver cancer.

(The author is a Liver transplant Surgeon and Liver/Pancreatic Surgeon with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Website: www.livercareindia.com)