- “One of the primary objectives of this day is to advocate for widespread vaccination against hepatitis, particularly for high-risk groups,” Vipparthi says.
- Hepatitis is caused by immune cells in the body attacking the liver, infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria or parasites, Liver damage from alcohol or poison, and a Fatty liver.
Image: FILE
Kenyans have been urged to go for Hepatitis and Liver screening and vaccination to help in getting the right treatment for the aforementioned diseases.
This comes as the world marked Hepatitis and Liver Day on July 28, under the theme 'ONE LIFE, ONE LIVER.'
The celebration serves as an important reminder of the global burden of hepatitis and its impact on liver health.
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
Dr Chandra Mohan Vipparthi, a surgeon at The Nairobi West Hospital, says that hepatitis poses a significant threat to public health.
“One of the primary objectives of this day is to advocate for widespread vaccination against hepatitis, particularly for high-risk groups,” Vipparthi says.
Hepatitis is caused by immune cells in the body attacking the liver, infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria or parasites, Liver damage from alcohol or poison, and a Fatty liver.
The symptoms of hepatitis include; pain or bloating in the belly area, dark urine and pale or clay-coloured stools, fatigue, low-grade fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) nausea and vomiting, and weight loss.
“With thousands of new cases diagnosed annually, we must address this silent epidemic proactively," Vipparthi says.
He says education and awareness about hepatitis prevention, transmission and treatment play a fundamental role in controlling its spread.
Vaccination is also essential in rooting out the killer disease.
“As a community, we must come together to support these initiatives, ensuring access to affordable vaccines and optimal healthcare for all,” he says.
Vipparthi also emphasizes the importance of liver health.
He says the liver is a resilient and vital organ responsible for performing critical functions that are essential for life like metabolizing nutrients and detoxifying harmful substances.
He adds that in Kenya, liver diseases including cirrhosis and liver cancer, are a growing concern and often linked to risk factors such as alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis infections and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The specialist adds that the introduction of liver transplant services in the country will provide hope and a chance for survival to those who have exhausted all other medical options.
This, he says, will not only impact the lives of individual patients but also elevate the standard of liver care across the country.
“The introduction of liver transplant services at The Nairobi West Hospital signifies a remarkable step forward in our quest for excellence in healthcare,” he says.
Additionally, liver transplantation is a complex and sophisticated procedure that offers a new lease of life to patients suffering from end-stage liver diseases.
He cautions that it is essential to emphasize the role of preventative measures in maintaining liver health like timely diagnosis, lifestyle modifications and prompt treatment to significantly reduce the burden of liver diseases in our society.
“Engaging in regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, abstaining from excessive alcohol consumption, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis are small yet powerful steps that can safeguard liver health,” the surgeon says.
“Furthermore, regular health check-ups and screenings can make a substantial difference in treatment outcomes. We strive to create awareness about liver diseases, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.”
According to World Health Organization, a liver silently performs over 500 vital functions every single day to keep you alive.
WHO also indicates over one million hepatitis-related deaths are recorded every single year – and one new chronic infection every ten seconds.
“Although there are many different types of hepatitis viruses (A to E), hepatitis B and C are the most concerning and cause nearly 8000 new infections every day, which are mostly going undetected,” WHO says.
WHO says that hepatitis deaths could be prevented by getting vaccinated and effective treatments for hepatitis B and even a cure for hepatitis C.