DIMAPUR — Several districts in Nagaland observed World Hepatitis Day on Friday by organising awareness programme on theme “One life, One liver.”
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year with an aim to raise global awareness of hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Wokha: World Hepatitis Day-cum-district review meeting was held in the conference hall of the chief medical officer (CMO), Wokha.
During the programme, the CMO of Wokha, Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, spoke on the availability of health services related to hepatitis in the district and highlighted that the recent Integrated STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis campaign conducted by District AIDS Control Programme Unit (DAPCU) Wokha indicated high prevalence of Hepatitis C in the district.
He also emphasised on testing and referrals of Hepatitis C cases at health centres in the district.
During the district review meeting, Dr. Caroline, senior medical officer of Bhandari Community Health Centre, made a powerpoint presentation, wherein she briefed the participants on the challenges and achievement of Bhandari CHC.
Lichumo Odyuo, DAPCU programme officer, has requested the medical officers to refer patients to the ICTC and also to charge nominal fee for KFT, LFT tests to the PLHIV and IDU community.
In conclusion, Dr. Thungchangpeni Patton, district immunisation officer, reminded the medical officers on the upcoming Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 and the usage of UWIN platform. She also spoke on the importance of routine immunisation and quality data management.
Phek: Phek unit of National Viral Hepatitis Control programme (NVHCP) observed World Hepatitis Day at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Phek town with Dr. Chukhusie Nyuwi, DTO Phek, as the main speaker.
Limadangit Jamir, senior principal of GHSS, has briefed the gathering on the significance of Hepatitis Day as well as its aims and objectives.
Dr. Chukhusie has highlighted the mode of transmission of hepatitis virus, preventive measures of Hepatitis A and shared on the epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus and its transmission.
The programme was attended by teachers and students from classes 10 to 12.
Longleng: Longleng district observed ‘World Hepatitis Day’ at Bauting Government Higher Secondary School in Longleng town by organising awareness and screening programme.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Temsusashi, NVHCP nodal officer, has highlighted on the significance of the day, which is celebrated with an aim to create and disseminate awareness among the people across the world. He oriented the participants on the types of Hepatitis, preventive measures, modes of transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Temsu also stated that World Hepatitis Day is a day for the hepatitis community to unite and make their voices heard.
Dr. Tiasunep, CMO of Longleng, launched the district action plan for eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 and delivered a short speech.
Mon: Mon unit of National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) along with Shansham Gospel Outreach Ministry and DAPCU, Mon, observed ‘World Hepatitis Day’ at Gospel Outreach Ministry Rehab Centre in Tammong village.
During the programme, Dr. Tinenlo James Katiwa, DTO, DACO and NVHCP nodal officer, informed that Hepatitis B and C cause liver damage, liver failure and may even lead to death. He, therefore, requested to avail the free health services provided by the government.
He also mentioned about the ongoing Integrated STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis (ISHTH) campaign in prison and other closed settings like rehab centres and orphanages where free health check-up, free medicines and awareness sessions were provided. He added that STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis are all interrelated.
The CMO of Mon, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo, has urged the participants to be aware of physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, vocational and social dimensions to lead a healthy life. She also explained on the Hepatitis A, B and C and made aware that screening could be done in all the health and wellness centres free of cost.
She further requested all the participants and the staff to work together in order to achieve the sustainable goal to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.
