A large turnout of public representing all walks of life was witnessed at SIUT to avail free screening and diagnostic facilities for Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day, here on Friday.
During the daylong proceedings, visitors were screened for hepatitis C, received hepatitis B vaccination and went through ultrasound of the abdomen to ascertain the possibility for any liver disease. Moreover, the visitors were shown awareness videos in different languages to educate about the mode of transmission, treatment and preventive methods of hepatitis, including the use of boiled water for drinking, practice of hand washing before eating and after using washroom and changing diapers, using new syringes, razor blades and sterilized use of dental and surgical equipment in case of any procedure and restricting use of other person's belonging.
Medical experts specializing in the field of Hepatitis treatment and liver diseases were there to answer the queries of the visitors. Healthy change in the basic lifestyle and comprehensive dietary advice was also extended to visitors as a part of preventive measures. The WHO announced 'Eliminate Hepatitis' theme for this year pledging to wipe out the diseases by 2030, globally. Like previous years, the prime objective to observe a daylong program was to raise awareness regarding the global issue of hepatitis, to influence real changes and to create awareness among masses about the disease.
As hepatitis C is a big menace for the country, a recent change in treatment to oral medications have revolutionized the treatment response. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment can bring about long lasting results. Eliminating hepatitis C from Pakistan is achievable target if combined efforts are made in the right direction.