By Phenyo Selinda
Johannesburg – The liver performs over 500 vital functions daily to keep us alive, underscoring the importance of testing, treating, and preventing viral hepatitis. On Sunday, the world marked World Hepatitis Day, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on all governments to prioritise efforts to achieve a hepatitis-free world by 2030.
The South African Department of Health emphasised that viral hepatitis is a preventable and manageable disease but remains a silent and neglected cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver often caused by a virus, can lead to significant health issues if not addressed.
Understanding Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis means a specific virus causes your liver to swell or enlarge. This year, World Hepatitis Day on 28 July aimed to educate the public about the disease and encourage people, health professionals, communities, and governments to drive awareness and action to eliminate viral hepatitis.
“Viral hepatitis is responsible for an enormous health burden, mostly due to chronic hepatitis B and C infection,” the Department of Health explained.
Global and Local Impact
According to the 2024 WHO Global Hepatitis Report, an estimated 304 million people were living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C globally in 2022. The report highlights the disease as the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, with about 1.3 million deaths annually, including over 2,000 deaths in South Africa.
This burden is exacerbated by the lack of screening, access to care and treatment, inadequate disease surveillance, and limited human and financial resources. People living with underlying conditions such as HIV are at a higher risk due to coinfection, which further exacerbates the burden of liver disease.
South Africa’s Commitment
South Africa is a signatory to the WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, aiming to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030. Preventing this infectious disease involves both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as vaccines, practising safer sex, good hygiene, and avoiding sharing needles, toothbrushes, and razors.
The department also advises people to avoid drinking water from potentially unsafe sources and to cook food thoroughly to prevent the disease’s spread.
Symptoms and Management
While viral hepatitis is often asymptomatic, some signs may include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine, and jaundice. “In some cases, the virus can also cause a chronic liver infection or liver cancer, putting patients at a higher risk of death unless they get treatment.”
The Department of Health has developed National Guidelines for the Management of Viral Hepatitis to reduce morbidity and mortality in the country. People, especially those experiencing any hepatitis symptoms, are urged to undergo screening and testing for early diagnosis and treatment, depending on the type of hepatitis.
Vaccination and Prevention
Individuals at higher risk of serious health complications if they contract hepatitis B and/or C need the vaccine. This includes all newborns, previously unvaccinated children and adolescents, people with multiple sex partners, key populations, and those infected with HIV and/or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate