7 million people in Pakistan suffering from Hepatitis B & C: Experts

Every tenth Pakistani having hepatitis B or C: Dr Abdul Majeed Chutto

96-100% children in Pakistan contract Hepatitis A before the age of 6: Dr Sadik Memon

Unnecessary injections should be avoided to curb the menace of Hepatitis: Dr Asif Burni

Hyderabad: Pakistan is facing a grave situation regarding viral hepatitis as 17 million people in the country are suffering from Hepatitis B & C, experts observed this while addressing a public awareness seminar organized by Macter International; in collaboration with Sindh Hepatitis Control Program - Government of Sindh, World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO), Liaquat University of Health Sciences, Isra University Hospital & Pakistan Society of Study of Liver Diseases (PSSLD).

The chief guest at the occasion, Dr Abdul Majeed Chutto, Incharge Sindh Hepatitis Control Program, said that hepatitis is a national problem and concerted efforts are required to curb this menace. He termed vaccination mandatory to eradicate hepatitis B.

Prof Dr Sadik Memon, revealed that 96-100 percent children in Pakistan contract hepatitis A before the age of six. He informed that hepatitis A & E spread from contaminated water. Referring to a survey conducted in four districts of Sindh, he informed that only 10.5 percent of the population was found vaccinated for hepatitis B. He further revealed that, according to the finding of that survey, 4.4 percent were found suffering from hepatitis B, while 10.2 percent were hepatitis C positive.

Referring to Hyderabad Ghumanabad survey, he informed that 21 percent people were found hepatitis C positive, while only 9.7 percent were found vaccinated against hepatitis B. Reasons for the spread of hepatitis C; he said; include injections from glass syringes, dialysis, blood transfusion, sharing of shaving blades, tattooing, intravenous drug abuse etc.

Dr Asif Burni, speaking at the occasion, advised the public to avoid unnecessary injections and prefer using oral medications, as this may lead to an unnecessary risk of hepatitis B & C spread.

Dr Bekha Raam informed that around 170,000 people die of hepatitis B & C every year in the country, which is more than the total number of causalities due to earth quick that hit the northern areas in 2005.

Dr Sami Shaikh informed that the complications of hepatitis B & C include, vomiting of blood, accumulation of fluid in abdomen, unconsciousness, liver cancer etc.

Dr Zulfiqar Hussain stated that prevention is better than cure and preventive measures to curb the spread of hepatitis should be advocated amongst the general public through print and electronic media.