GLOBALLY, hepatitis remains relatively unknown, in spite of the staggering toll it exacts on human health. Defined by its different variants, the most common of which are the A, B, and C variants, hepatitis is a viral infection that attacks and destroys the liver, in many cases, leading to death.
Experts believe that hepatitis B, the most lethal of the known variants, is several times more infectious than the dreaded HIV/AIDS. The World Hepatitis Alliance, a coalition of about 280 patient groups around the world, puts the approximate number of deaths from both hepatitis A and B at one million annually, which by far outstrips the yearly number of fatalities associated with tuberculosis, cancer, malaria and the notorious HIV/AIDS put together.
Figures from the World Health Organisation indicate that of the 500 million chronic carriers of both the hepatitis A and B infections, about 350 million are plagued by the latter, making it by far the most deadly. Both types are the commonest causes of liver cirrhosis and cancer. The A type is one of the frequent causes of food-borne infection, since it thrives in a dirty environment.
What makes hepatitis very dangerous is the fact that the symptoms are not usually very obvious. It could sometimes manifest as headache, fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or nausea. Coloured urine, abdominal discomfort and jaundice are also some of the symptoms. It is, however, possible for the virus to survive in the body for years without detection. In some cases, it could take between 20 and 40 years to manifest, during which time the liver might have been almost completely devastated. There is also the possibility of an infected person coming down with ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Cancer in chronic hepatitis B could take between five and 40 years to manifest.
Yet, despite the fact that it is preventable, the necessary awareness needed to focus attention on the deadly disease is lacking. While the campaign against HIV/AIDS has been carried out with sustained vigour over the years, very little is often said or done to raise awareness of hepatitis, said to have a high prevalence rate in Asia and Africa. In Nigeria, where experts believe that about 19 million people are living with hepatitis B alone, many people are ignorant of the existence of the disease. Very often, people resort to self-medication or wrong medication when presented with the symptoms. There is really no means of accurate diagnosis except by laboratory testing.
It is out of the need to reverse this situation that the WHO declared July 28 every year as the World Hepatitis Day. This year's celebration had as its theme, "This is Hepatitis. Know it. Confront it." The theme is not only apt in that it focuses attention on the existence of the disease, it also reminds people about the need to combat it through knowledge and awareness.
There are many ways of contracting hepatitis. While hepatitis A can be transmitted through the faecal-oral means, transmission of the B type can take place through contact with body fluid, including saliva, tears, semen, breast milk, urine and blood, of an infected person. Both B and C could also be contracted through exposure to unprotected sex. Olufunmilayo Lesi, a consultant gastroenterologist at the College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, was recently quoted as saying, "An infected person in a household would give it to the whole family, if they are not aware of it."
Luckily, hepatitis can be prevented, controlled and treated, especially in cases of early diagnosis. But in the event of late diagnosis, the only option remains liver transplant.
The Nigerian government could also come up with a policy of compulsory vaccination of children against hepatitis, since it is possible for the disease to be passed on from mother to child.
Besides, it has also been proved that vaccination of adults guarantees five to seven years of immunity against the disease. The government should not only ensure the availability of vaccines, but should also embark on massive enlightenment campaign to ensure that people are vaccinated. People should also form a habit of embarking on regular and comprehensive medical check-ups to reveal their status.
There is also the need for improvement of personal hygiene. Efforts must be made to ensure that faecal waste disposal is done in such a way that it does not come in contact with sources of drinking water. Experts advise that people should make it habitual to be washing their hands with soap regularly, especially after visiting the toilet.
