Marked on 28 July, World Hepatitis Day aims to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammatory condition of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.
This year's theme is "It's time to act." Every 30 seconds, another person dies from the consequences of hepatitis, and we must accelerate actions to improve hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve outcomes.
There are five main types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C are the most common, causing 1.3 million deaths and infecting 2.2 million people annually.
Despite the availability of more effective diagnostics and treatments for hepatitis, and their decreasing prices, coverage of diagnosis and treatment is not expanding. However, the WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030 is still achievable if we act swiftly now.
Viral hepatitis is contracted in various ways. Viral hepatitis is divided into two main groups: those transmitted via the faecal-oral route (A, E) and those transmitted parenterally (B, C, D). Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through contaminated water, food, and unwashed hands. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood (during intravenous drug use, use of non-sterile instruments for tattoos, piercings, cosmetic procedures, manicures, pedicures, and medical manipulations that breach the skin and mucous membranes), from an infected mother to her child during childbirth, and through unprotected sexual contact.
Parenteral viral hepatitis B and C can manifest in both acute and chronic forms. Chronic forms of viral hepatitis B and C can be asymptomatic for a long time, sometimes for years or even decades, but at the same time, they are one of the causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Timely diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C can save lives.
Preventive measures against viral hepatitis A and E include consuming clean water, washed vegetables and fruits, and observing personal hygiene rules.
Prevention of hepatitis B and C:
- use of condoms during casual sexual contact;
- categorical refusal of drugs;
- avoidance of procedures that compromise the integrity of skin and mucous membranes – tattoos, piercings, manicures, etc., if performed in unsuitable, dubious conditions where the principle of sterility of instruments and equipment is not observed.
- use of personal hygiene items only for individual use: shaving and manicure kits, towels, scissors, combs, washcloths, toothbrushes.
Vaccination is of paramount importance in prevention. Vaccines against hepatitis A and B are effective and safe and have been used in many countries worldwide for many years. In the Republic of Belarus, the population immunization against hepatitis B is carried out within the framework of the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations.
Immunization against viral hepatitis A is provided free of charge based on epidemiological indications and on a paid basis in polyclinics at the place of residence.
Thanks to a comprehensive set of preventive and anti-epidemic measures, the incidence of acute viral hepatitis B and C in the Republic of Belarus continues to decline. Further implementation of hepatitis B prevention programs, and primarily the population vaccination program, will lead to a reduction in the incidence of acute hepatitis B throughout the country to isolated cases and the cessation of mother-to-child transmission of the virus during childbirth.
A vaccine against hepatitis C has not been developed, which is due to the high variability of the virus. However, significant progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The breakthrough in treatment is associated with the emergence of new highly effective and safe drugs that allow for a complete cure for hepatitis C. Antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B does not completely eliminate the virus from the body, but it makes it possible to reduce its amount in the blood (viral load) to an undetectable level, which reduces the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, it is important to diagnose these diseases in a timely manner, be under medical supervision, and undergo treatment if indicated.
Currently, a program for the treatment of viral hepatitis C is being implemented in the Republic of Belarus, which will allow for a reduction or elimination of the incidence of this infection in the near future.
GU
Lepel District Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology