Covid-19 is the recent pandemic whereas the Hepatitis virus was discovered back in 1989. It has been studied for a longer time and some treatments have been forwarded for it and vaccination has also been introduced but the deadly virus molds itself in different form and yet take away lives. According to World Health Organization (WHO), at least one person dies of Hepatitis related diseases every 30 seconds. But the whole world is busy dealing with Covid-19 even though Hepatitis is more dangerous. Covid-19 infection is almost the same in all countries but this Hepatitis is uncontrollable especially in developing countries.
Pakistan is one of the victims of Hepatitis and it is four to five more infectious than Covid-19. Health experts and medical scientists have warned about hepatitis B and C viral and called it “pandemic within a pandemic”. And they have called for immediate consideration of its treatment, prevention, and screening. A session was held at Karachi Press Club in which Pakistan GI and Liver Diseases Society (PGLDS) in which the experts highlighted the burden of hepatitis on the world and they forced on the elimination of this virus by 2030. Their main focus was to indicate the major types of hepatitis B and C. they have mentioned that hepatitis takes away 300 to 325 lives per day which is a huge number. Dr. Lubna Kamani who is president of PGLDS said that ‘There is a need to have equal focus on the prevention, screening, and treatment of hepatitis B and C. Dr. Kamani also claimed that around 150,000 new cases are emerging in Pakistan and the total number hepatitis patients are above 15 million. This is the largest number of cases after China.
The spread of hepatitis is mainly because of an unhygienic environment like it spread from the direct disposal of the used syringe and other medical equipment. Whereas hepatitis B and C are spread through close interaction and by the use of things used by the infected. It is more liable to spread among family members and close relatives. And the bad thing about these two types is that they are known to be the silent killer. It infects the person silently from the inside and then reveals its symptoms at higher stages.
It should be a serious note for the government and for all the concerned departments to tackle this viral disease. There are many ways to stop the spread of hepatitis. Firstly there should be proper awareness programs which can educate the people about it so that they can take the prevention measures. Secondly, the health authorities need to facilitate the people with free screening and testing schemes. Thirdly the educated people can play their role to aware people through different means like social media.
Today it is World Hepatitis day and most of the experts are discussing it on the tables and it has been a decade of such discussion without ultimate resolution. So, why not take it seriously every day and work for its elimination from the world. We can eliminate any form of illness if we stay together globally. We wish good health to all those who are suffering from hepatitis and we highly request every individual to take precautionary measures and to save themselves from hepatitis-like diseases. Ensure your hygiene and stop the spread of hepatitis. Remember viruses have no eyes to see you suffering to feel sympathy for you so be sympathetic to yourself and your people.
