World Hepatitis Day - SIUT conducts screening for hepatitis B

MN Report

KARACHI - Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) organized a public awareness event to mark the World Hepatitis Day. The day is observed worldwide on July 28 to create awareness among masses about risk, prevention and mode of transmission of hepatitis. 

All the participants were screened for hepatitis B and underwent abdominal ultrasound. First shot of hepatitis B vaccine was given to all participants, along with the schedule and appointment of follow up vaccine.

A detailed awareness video was shown in local language which helped people to identify the risk of hepatitis, its mode of transmission, and learn the preventive measures.

Experts and dieticians participated in question-answer session with attendees and gave advice for dietary modification, identification of risk factor and harm reduction strategies. Participants were also informed that hepatitis B and C is a progressive disease and can lead to end-stage-liver disease. The ultimate treatment of which is liver transplantation.

It was also highlighted that due to lack of organ donation large number of people are dying of organ failure. It was stressed that a culture of organ donation is emergently required in our country to save precious lives as deceased organ donation is the backbone of organ transplantation worldwide. Eighty per cent of worldwide transplantation depends on this mode of donation.

The use of boiled water and practice of hand washing after eating, using washroom and changing diapers were stressed upon as an important preventive measure. People should emphasize on using new syringes at clinics, razor blades at barber shop, and sterilized dental and surgical equipments in case of procedures. Sterilization should also be verified for instruments used during pedicure and manicure. Before blood transfusion people should check that if it has been screened for hepatitis B and C.