CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, awareness and screening camps were organized across the state. This year, the day was observed under the theme “Let’s Break It Down.” The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus.
A special one-month Hepatitis screening camp was launched at Central Jail, Bhopal. On the first day, 175 inmates were screened for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, VDRL, STIs, and TB. The aim of the camp is to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases among inmates.
Notably, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was launched by the Central Government in 2018, with the goal of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030. The program focuses on reducing complications related to Hepatitis B and C, preventing serious liver conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer, and lowering mortality rates.
Bhopal’s Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Manish Sharma, stated that free vaccination against Hepatitis B is available at government health centers. Along with this, free testing and treatment for hepatitis are also being provided. Pregnant women are mandatorily tested for Hepatitis B to protect newborns from infection.
Dr. Sharma further informed that symptoms of Hepatitis B may include jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, and swelling. The infection can spread through infected blood, unsafe needle use, and unprotected sexual contact.
The Health Department has also launched a triple testing facility, enabling simultaneous testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.
#WorldHepatitisDay, #HepatitisAwareness, #HealthCamps, #LiverHealth, #PublicHealth, #HepatitisScreening, #HealthcareInitiative
