80% population in Odisha vulnerable to Hepatitis B: Prof SP Singh
Speaking to TNIE on the eve of World Hepatitis Day, Prof Singh said about 0.9 per cent of population in the state is affected with Hepatitis B and the trend remains almost same for the last two-and-half decades. 'However, a majority of the population is still unaware of the infection, caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), impacting both prevention and control efforts,' he said.
The chairman of the Kalinga Gastroenterology Foundation (KGF) said in a study carried out in Cuttack a few years back, the awareness among the people about the disease and vaccine was found to be just about 38 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively. Besides, about 50 per cent of those who were aware had no knowledge about the route of transmission, infectivity or importance of vaccination. The percentage of vaccination was also a mere 20.
He called for stronger adherence to World Health Organisation (WHO)'s comprehensive approach to hepatitis that includes 'screen all, vaccinate all and treat all' to protect the population that has never been a part of the vaccination programme. He also sought compulsory vaccination for children in all schools.
The KGF is set to celebrate its 25th Hepatitis B Eradication Day and the 15th World Hepatitis Day on Monday with this year's theme 'Lets Break Down.' The KGF will also present three awards - Blumberg Oration Award to eminent hepatologist Prof Nancy Reau from Chicago, KGF Samman to Prof Anup Kumar Das from AMC, Dibrugarh and Siba Panigrahi Samman to sculptor Sanjib Biswal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
Health dept identifies 1,874 people above 80, to start first phase of project to provide better healthcare at their homes & GMSH-16
The Health Department has identified 1,874 people above 80 as part of a recent survey to start a pilot project of providing better healthcare services to the elderly residents of Chandigarh. According to Dr Suman Singh, Director of Health, the Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) have recently completed the survey, and the department is all set to start a pilot project that will focus on the health and wellness of these elderly, some of whom live alone and many with families. 'The effort is to focus on a system where a team of five, which has been approved, comprising doctors, staff nurses, attendants, and an ambulance service, will visit the elderly at their homes regularly, check for various health issues, and also health problems like hypertension, diabetes , etc, and then address these. If need be, those in need would be shifted to GMSH-16 for further treatment, with the provision of services like attendants, a dedicated ambulance service. Apart from focusing on their health needs, the visits and check-ups at their homes will also give them confidence. Initially, the idea was to include all elderly citizens, but this is the first phase of the project, as we start work and then understand the needs of the elderly and slowly and steadily include people in their 70s,' says Dr Singh. The department will also identify and prioritise elderly people who live alone, are disabled, are bedridden and are unable to move on their own. In a recent meeting of the 4th Rogi Kalyaan Samiti (RKS), a decision was taken that a dedicated ambulance service will be started for senior citizens and bedridden patients at GMSH-16. Also, a dedicated help desk for patients and their attendants will be started for OPD, gynaecology and the Emergency Ward. It was also decided that six caretakers/attendants will be hired to help the patients without any accompanying person. 'All these decisions have been finalised and we are working towards implementing these services, and identifying the elderly in their 80s and starting services to improve their health and care for them is the first step in this direction,' adds Singh.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Is your liver at risk? Doctors explain the top 3 causes of liver damage and how you can prevent it
Liver health is vital as it is responsible for key body functions like filtering toxins, storing nutrients, and supporting digestion. It is one of the most important organs, making it very important to adopt healthy diet and lifestyle habits for safeguarding it. So, one needs to be cautious regarding liver damage. HT Lifestyle talked to experts to understand the main causes of liver damage and what one can do to prevent them. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of the abdomen, is one of the warning signs of liver damage.(Shutterstock) 3 causes of liver damage Alcohol is commonly consumed at social events, like parties, but excessive or frequent intake can seriously hurt liver health over time.(Shutterstock) Liver damage can originate from a variety of causes, and understanding them is key to prevention. If you know the causes, you will be able to seek timely medical help. Dr Pavan Dhoble, consultant, gastroenterology, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim, shared three crucial contributors to liver damage: 1. Alcohol Alcohol can harm the liver in two ways. The short-term injury caused by alcohol is due to intoxication of alcohol, which is called acute alcoholic hepatitis. Long-term alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which has multiple stages depending on the intake of alcohol. This damage is worsened if there's underlying fatty liver disease. 2. Food Overeating, especially high-calorie junk food and sugary drinks, can lead to obesity, which in turn causes Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) It is also called metabolic liver disease. NAFLD is typically a lifestyle-driven condition and if left unchecked can also lead progress to cirrhosis of the liver. 3. Viral Short-term liver inflammation is often caused by hepatotropic viruses, mainly Hepatitis A and E. These are food and waterborne viruses typically linked to contaminated water or food and poor sanitation. In contrast, Hepatitis B and C viruses cause chronic or long-term damage and are transmitted through infected blood and syringes or from mother to child. How to prevent liver damage? Say no to fried foods if you want to your liver to be healthy!(Shutterstock) When it comes to liver health, early action and preventive care can make all the difference. Dr Dinesh Zirpe, director - liver transplantation and HPB surgeon, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, shared some practical measures that help to prevent liver damage and maintain overall liver health. Highlighting all the risk factors, he said, 'Preventing liver damage can be achieved by reducing alcohol intake. For those who are at risk, vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and strongly advised. Currently, there are medications available that make hepatitis C curable. For those with risk factors such as being overweight, diabetes, or a previous history of alcohol consumption, it is essential to attend regular check-ups so that any potential liver damage is detected and treated promptly.' Further, Dr Dinesh Zirpe also reiterated the heightened risk from fatty liver. If this is combined with unhealthy eating habits, alcohol consumption, or viral infections, the damage can progress much faster. ALSO READ: Want to reverse fatty liver? The Liver Doc suggests 5 changes to make in daily diet, exercise, sleep to reduce it Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- New Indian Express
A sister's stem cell gift turns Raksha Bandhan into a true celebration of life
HYDERABAD: This Raksha Bandhan, 17-year-old Hashmitha gave her brother Bharath more than a thread; she gave him the gift of life. This year, the IV lines became their rakhi threads. What began as a sister's anxious vigil by her brother's hospital bed ended in a successful stem cell transplant just days before the festival, making this the most meaningful Rakhi celebration the siblings have ever known. Five-year-old Bharath from Mahbubnagar had battled ill health for over seven months. Initially diagnosed with jaundice, his condition worsened, and four months ago, doctors confirmed aplastic anaemia, a rare, life-threatening bone marrow failure. Frequent hospital visits became routine, and mounting medical bills added to the family's strain. Their mother quit her teaching job to care for him, while their father's business suffered. When doctors at a Hyderabad hospital recommended a bone marrow transplant, the family agreed without hesitation. Tests revealed that Hashmitha, an Intermediate student, was a perfect match. 'I saw my brother suffering for months and wanted to do anything to make him better,' she tells the TNIE. 'When doctors said my cells were the right match, I felt both hopeful and happy, knowing he could finally come home.' The transplant was performed on July 24. On Saturday, still in the hospital, Hashmitha tied a rakhi on Bharath's wrist — her stem cells already working to heal him. 'I could finally touch my brother and see him smile after four months,' she says, holding back tears. 'I feel fortunate to have helped. I'd urge everyone not to fear donating blood or stem cells; it's safe and can save a life.' Bharath is now showing steady recovery and is expected to be discharged in the coming days.
