On World Hepatitis Day, a vaccine that offers lifetime immunity against HBV
Saturday 28 July 2012 marks the second annual World Hepatitis Day, established in 2010 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Viral hepatitis is a largely silent epidemic
On World Hepatitis Day, a vaccine that offers lifetime immunity against HBV
Saturday 28 July 2012 marks the second annual World Hepatitis Day, established in 2010 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Viral hepatitis is a largely silent epidemic; however, it is the leading cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis around the world. Approximately 500 million persons are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; most are unaware of their infections which contribute to nearly 1 million deaths annually.
In 2012, WHO established a global hepatitis programme and developed a framework for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis that promotes a comprehensive approach to confronting the virus. The slogan for this year is “Hepatitis: It’s closer than you think. Know it. Confront it.”
Egypt has the largest burden of HCV infection in the world. Much of the burden can be attributed to ongoing health-care–associated transmission. Through implementing an infection control programme and providing subsidised care and treatment, major improvements in infection control were achieved, and nearly 190,000 persons received treatment otherwise not available. Despite these efforts, Egypt continues to have a large and growing hepatitis C epidemic and would benefit from a comprehensive viral hepatitis control programme that includes raising community awareness, ensuring a safe blood supply, and establishing a viral hepatitis surveillance system.
The good news according to WHO, however, is that since 2011 there is a safe vaccine that offers lifetime protection against HBV. Some 17 out of 23 Middle East countries, including Egypt, have placed the vaccine among the mandatory vaccination programmes for infants and children.
WATANI International
27 July 2012
