By Esther Okechi, U19MM1174.
According to the 2024 Global Hepatitis report by the World Health Organization, 305 million people globally have hepatitis B, leading to about 1.3 million deaths in 2022, similar to the number of deaths caused by tuberculosis. Viral hepatitis and tuberculosis were the second leading causes of death among
communicable diseases in 2022, after COVID-19. In Nigeria alone, over 20 million people live with hepatitis, while 80% are unaware of their status.
From the available statistics, it is undeniable that the viral disease is a silent epidemic that poses a huge threat to the health and well-being of millions of Nigerians. Every year, specifically the 28th of July, the United Nations and other concerned bodies commemorate and raise awareness about this deadly disease, with this year's theme being 'Let's Break It Down'.
So what is hepatitis? What are the symptoms? Is there a cure?
Hepatitis, according to the WHO, is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health problems, including severe liver damage and cancer, some of which can be fatal. There are 5 main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E. The symptoms can vary, from jaundice(yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or in some cases, some carriers are asymptomatic. Among the five types of hepatitis, hepatitis B(HBV) is the most common.
Currently, there is no permanent cure for hepatitis B. However, it can be managed significantly through anti-viral medications and a curated lifestyle change. Nevertheless, there are rare cases of the virus clearing up naturally.
Hepatitis B foundations provide some precautionary measures to help stop the spread of hepatitis B:
- Avoid sharing personal items: Be cautious about personal items like razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and earrings. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after exposing yourself to blood and body fluids.
- Practice safe sex: If you are not sure of your partner's hepatitis status, embrace abstinence or use a condom.
- Get Vaccinated: The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing the infection, and can be gotten from your local primary healthcare center. The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) recommends the vaccine to everyone, including children and newborns.
- Create a balanced diet: Always ensure that your meal is packed with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and other healthy fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcohol and limit processed foods.
It is important to note that hepatitis B is not spread by hugging, coughing, sneezing, cooking, or sharing food. It is spread primarily through direct contact with infected blood and bodily fluids.
In essence, hepatitis B is an international concern, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we ‘break it down', one person and community at a time, through awareness campaigns, prevention measures, early detection, vaccination, and affordable/accessible treatment plans.
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