Karachi: Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) observed World Hepatitis Day on Thursday. The slogan of this year was “This is hepatitis, Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere. Know it. Confront it”.Speaking in a ceremony with regard to Hepatitis ,Prof. Adibul Hasan Rizvi Director SIUT said, more than One million people die in a year all over the world. And millions of patients suffer from hepatitis. Hepatitis has emerged as a major global health problem and needs urgent prevention and control. He said that one in twelve people worldwide are living with either chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Many among them are even not aware about it. To observe the World Hepatitis Day SIUT arranged an elaborate programme to increase public awareness and screen visitors for hepatitis B, C and other liver ailments.
It is estimated that in Pakistan about 10 million people are infected with hepatitis C and about 5 million with hepatitis B, if left untreated hepatitis B and C can leave cirrhosis of liver. Ending up with all complication like vomiting of blood, water accumulation in body and abdomen, attacks of unconsciousness. Last but not the least liver cancer in some of the cases.
The World Hepatitis Day was observed globally on July 28, 2011 to spread awareness about this silent killer. SIUT arranged an elaborate programme to increase public awareness and screen population for hepatitis on this day.
People visiting SIUT were tested for hepatitis B and C. Ultrasound of liver and spleen was done in all the cases. Visitors appreciated the video presentation on the mode of spread of People visiting SIUT were tested for hepatitis B and C. Both of these viruses are being spread in our population through reuse of syringes, needles, blades and unsterilized equipment. It is very important to screen the blood products properly for these viruses and observe proper sterilization measures during dental and surgical procedures. New blade should be used for shaving. The treatment by drips and injection should be discouraged. All visitors had their weight, height and blood pressure recorded. Dieticians were available for dietary advice about healthy food. Persons, who were found positive for hepatitis B or C, were given appointments for follow up at OPD. Presentation also highlighted the services of hepatogestroentrology services at SIUT which providing comprehensive and state of the art facilities to the public free of cost with dignity. Free vaccination for hepatitis B was offered to the visitors with advice for the second dose after one month.
Around 1500 people responded. Dr. Adeel Siddiqui, Sabihta Shaikh, Aarzoo Saeed, Rajeesh Kumar and Abbas Ali responded to the queries raised by the visitors.
