Rotimi Adesanya
Monday, July 28, 2014 is another World Hepatitis Day. It was chosen in honor of the birthday of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus.
Every year on this day, the World Health Organisation and partners mark World Hepatitis Day to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes.
It is a time for all — the government (policy makers) in Nigeria, health workers and the public to think again about this silent killer.
I visited the social media, Hepatitis facebook page recently, and here’s what the people who are living with the virus have to say about the disease.
One of the members said he was diagnosed with hepatitis in 2009 and is still living with it and following research the world over. He claimed to have written an article in newspaper a few months back, lamenting the poor knowledge about Hepatitis B virus in Nigeria.
He also said stakeholders had established Yahoo! groups for Nigerian co-patients to exchange info throughnaijahepcommunity@yahoogroups.com.
Another member said there’s nothing to worry about. “It’s not the end of life,” he said. However, he warned people affected to be careful with Nigerian doctors and concluded that they don’t know much about hepatitis management. “They will only bamboozle you with grammar,” he said.
Another member said good drugs were not available in Nigeria, and concluded that it should be ordered online, which is far cheaper.
Another said Fibroscan is needed to know if there’s any damage to the liver, but it is not available in Nigeria
I salute the courage of those affected for the steps they have taken and respect their opinion. I also empathise with them, but I must warn that expert opinion on the situation is still the best.
The doctors will tailor the treatment according to factors each patient presents with, while the experience from the group will be individualised
Hepatitis defined
Hepatitis is an inflammation/infection of the liver and it can result in liver cell damage and destruction. Many people mistakenly think that hepatitis means viral hepatitis, and that all forms of hepatitis are contagious.
Actually, the word ‘hepatitis’ just refers to any inflammation of the liver; or the irritation or swelling of liver cells from any cause.
Causes of hepatitis
Toxic hepatitis: This form can occur if someone drinks a lot of alcohol, takes certain illegal drugs or medications, or is exposed to poisons.
Viral hepatitis: A group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year. Hepatitis B Virus is the commonest.
It is now a known fact that about three out of every 10 Nigerians live with the Hepatitis B virus.
Non viral infective hepatitis: Malaria Hepatitis and also autoimmune liver disease
The biggest obstacle confronting hepatitis treatment in Nigeria is not necessarily the deadly nature of the virus or even the spread of the disease, but a lack of awareness among Nigerians about the importance of discovering their hepatitis status.
Hepatitis B affects people of all ages. Most adults who become infected with Hepatitis B get rid of the virus within six months. This type of short infection is known as an acute case of Hepatitis B. About 10 per cent of adults infected with the Hepatitis B virus develop a chronic, life-long infection.
People with chronic infection may or may not have symptoms. Those who do not develop symptoms are referred to as carriers. Hepatitis B is acquired through contact with infected blood and body fluids.
These viruses are usually transmitted by contaminated needles (in the case of intravenous drug users). Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected can also pass on the Hepatitis B virus.
Having chronic Hepatitis B may lead to permanent liver damage, including liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Simple steps to follow
Don’t rush to take any drug. Go for liver function tests, viral load and HBV DNA. These tests will help you to know your status. Your status will help you determine the next step of management.
I have approached an organisation called the Strategic Insight Healthcare (The Hospital) in Magodo, Lagos, to organise a public enlightenment campaign on A-Z of hepatitis: What you need to know, when to receive treatment, where to receive treatment and how to prevent it. It comes up on the World Hepatitis Day 2014 which comes up on Monday, July 28, 2014 by 10:00a.m.
Other activities include screening, consultations and counseling. Interested members of the public should send a text message or call, signifying their interest and participation to 08188343865 or 08186549147. Limited spaces are available. Visit www.the-hospitals.com for details.
Interested pharmaceutical companies can also support us as we mark the World Hepatitis Day.
I am also organising a special session for doctors in private practice and other categories of health workers that may be interested.
A consultant hepatologist from Lagos University Teaching Hospital has agreed to give a lecture on the current trends of management of hepatitis in Nigeria to participating doctors. It attracts 2CPD points. This is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, July 27, by 2p.m.