Our loving Rivers people, welcome to another episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that the world has ignored hepatitis at its peril. This episode is in commemoration of the United Nations World Hepatitis Day, which comes up on 28th of July.
During World Hepatitis Day 2019 campaign, WHO is urging all countries and partners to promote the theme “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”. Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide causing 1.4 million deaths a year. It is the second major killer infectious disease after tuberculosis, and 9 times more people are infected with hepatitis than HIV. Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. However, over 80% of people living with hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment services.
Viral Hepatitis is a huge issue of global significance due to the following statistics:
• 325 million people were living with chronic hepatitis infections worldwide in 2015.
• 1.34 million people died of hepatitis in 2015 globally.
• 400 million people worldwide are infected by hepatitis causing acute and chronic liver disease.
• 95% of people with hepatitis C can be completely cured within 2-3 months.
• Up to 75% of people living with Hepatitis C do not know they are infected.
From these statistics, we deduce that there is little awareness of this disease worldwide. But it is comforting to note that the disease is both preventable and curable.
For prevention, nothing short of deliberate actions are required at the individual, family and community levels. Are you at risk? Get tested! Early testing means early treatment to prevent illness and to save your life.
Are you protected? Hepatitis B and C are preventable. Every injection should be safe. Hepatitis B vaccine provides lifelong protection. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted sexually.
If you tested positive, ask whether you need treatment – do not delay. Living with hepatitis B? Some people will need treatment and can stay healthy with life-long therapy. Living with hepatitis C? 3-month treatment can cure the infection.
Our guest speaker today is Dr. Gabriel Ominyi, the clinical director at Prime Medical Consultants. He will be throwing more light on the topic. Please enjoy the episode.
Our dear Rivers people, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families.
Her Excellency,
Mr. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS Africa.
The Governor of Rivers State
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below