Dr. Zulfiqar Dharejo, additional director of the CDC Hepatitis Control Programme in Sindh, spoke at an awareness seminar held by Dr. Ziauddin Hospital in honour of World Hepatitis Day. He emphasised the importance of seeking treatment for diseases before they pose a threat to public health. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the disease and its effects around the world and to stress the value of early diagnosis and prevention.
Dr. Dharejo spoke at the event and praised the forward thinking of the Sindh government in offering free hepatitis vaccines and treatments. Ziauddin University’s Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abbas Zafar, has emphasised the need of testing for all individuals because early detection is the key to effective therapies.
Prof. Zaigham Abbas, chairman of the Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology at Ziauddin University, provided insightful commentary on the spread of hepatitis B and C. The transfusion of infected blood, the reuse of unsterilized needles or surgical equipment, a lack of suitable sterilisation facilities, and the prevalence of quackery were all recognised as key routes of dissemination.
Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology at Ziauddin University, Dr. Khurram Baqai, recently discussed the staggering burden of hepatitis C and B in Pakistan. The former has over 10 million patients, while the latter has over 5 million carriers.
He gave an impressive figure: by 2030, low- and middle-income nations may avert an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths with the help of targeted immunisation, diagnostic testing, medication, and extensive educational programmes.
Speakers emphasized on prevention of hepatitis
Dr. Fatima Jehangir, chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Ziauddin University, emphasised the need of regular handwashing with soap and the consumption of clean water and food as preventative strategies for hepatitis A and E. certain easy measures can help reduce the spread of certain strains.
The conference was a great opportunity for specialists and healthcare workers to discuss the importance of early detection and prevention of hepatitis infections with the public.
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