Hepatitis Can't Wait

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has marked the 28th of July as world hepatitis day and this year's theme focus is "HEPATITIS CAN'T WAIT".

According to WHO;

- People living with viral hepatitis are unaware CAN'T WAIT for testing.

- People living with hepatitis CAN'T WAIT for life-saving treatments.

- Expectant mothers CAN'T WAIT for hepatitis screening and treatment

- Newborn babies CAN'T WAIT for birth dose vaccination.

- People affected by hepatitis CAN'T WAIT to end stigma and discrimination

- Community organisations CAN'T WAIT for greater investment.

- Decision-makers CAN'T WAIT and must act now to make hepatitis elimination a reality through political will and funding.

To be on the safer side, these are some of the risk factors you should avoid;

- poor sanitation;

- lack of safe water;

- living in a household with an infected person;

- being a sexual partner of someone with acute hepatitis A infection;

- use of recreational drugs;

- sex between men; and

- travelling to areas of high endemicity without being immunized.

Act now! Get vaccinated, get treated before it kills you. Hepatitis can't wait!

~Ms. Chioma Obieke EHEI Blogger