The term “viral hepatitis” refers to a variety of different infections that are all characterized by liver inflammation predominantly brought on by hepatotropic viruses and characterized by a common physiological pattern.
Blood and several body fluids are both carriers of the viral hepatitis virus. When a non-immune person comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids from an infected person, the infection is transmitted.
There are currently 5 known hepatitis viruses. It is Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
About Hepatitis Infection In Ghana
Given extremely low rates of diagnosis, treatments, and education, the burden of hepatitis infections and deaths in the nation is increasing.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), only 10% of persons with chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) were diagnosed, and only 22% of those got treatment, as a result of testing reluctance.
Just 21% of patients with hepatitis C get an official diagnosis, and 62% among those diagnosed receive treatment to cure their condition.
Lunching of World Hepatitis Day
The Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, urged all individuals to be screened as he launched this year’s World Hepatitis Day Commemoration in Accra on Tuesday.
According to him, doing so would assist the nation reach its goal of diagnosing 90% of Hepatitis B and C infections and starting treatment for at least 80% of them in order to reduce the increasing burden.
He pointed out that while certain hepatitis infections could be cured, others could only be suppressed so that the afflicted individual may lead a normal life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) established the celebration, which ends on July 28 each year, to increase awareness of the disorder, reduce prevalence, and improve access to testing and treatment.
The celebration this year centers on the international and regional theme “One life, one liver,” which serves as a call to action for individuals to safeguard their livers through productive lifestyles.
Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis ‘B virus in 1967 and created the first hepatitis ‘B vaccine in 1969, was born on July 28, which is why July 28 has been designated as World Hepatitis Day.