The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), has identified intense sensitization as a veritable way of winning the war against hepatitis in the country.
The group said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Adeyeye Adetunji, that since the disease is preventable by personal and community hygiene, everyone in the country should be sensitized on the disease. The message, made available to commemorate this year’s World Hepatitis Day, noted that Hepatitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally.
“Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver cells which can be as a result of microbial infection, chemical toxicity or malignancies. Hepatitis caused by viral agents can be transmitted through contaminated water, food or fruits, faeces and blood or blood products…
“Interestingly, hepatitis, whatever the cause, is preventable, treatable and manageable. The general public is hereby called upon to ensure proper personal and community hygiene. Hands should be properly washed and proper treatment of vegetables and fruits before consumption are strongly advocated. Sharp objects and other means of contracting the disease should be properly handled and disposed of.
“Nigerians are urged to go for regular blood tests for viral hepatitis. Those found to be negative are encouraged to go for immediate vaccination while those found positive are also urged to seek medical intervention from adequately qualified health professionals. Lastly, the general public is advised to insist on the use of properly screened blood and blood products for transfusion. “We also appeal to governments at all levels to step up efforts on provision of clean and potable water to the populace. Governments must also ensure availability of free hepatitis testing and treatment in all health facilities in Nigeria. Health workers must also appropriately and regularly update their diagnostic and treatment skills so as to meet the comprehensive health needs of the citizenry,” AMLSN urged.
It however lamented that worldwide, 400 million people live with hepatitis B or C. More worrisome, the association stressed, is that every year 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitis, adding that all the deaths are preventable. It emphasized that with better awareness and understanding of how to prevent hepatitis, the disease could be eliminated and 4,000 lives saved daily.
By: Marcu Fatunmole
National Mirror News
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