In observance of World Hepatitis Day, Department of Gastroenterology, MTH and UMDC Hepatitis awareness Society organized a pivotal event focusing on the elimination of viral hepatitis in Pakistan. The keynote addresses were delivered by Prof Dr Shahid Rasool, a renowned expert in the field of hepatology, Head Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Madinah Teaching Hospital, Dr Muhammad Ilyas Shakir, Diplomate American Board of Medicine & Gastroenterology, Dr Khalid Mehmood Yahya, Professor of Medicine at MTH and Dr Umair Shafqat, Senior Registrar Gastroenterology & Hepatology, MTH. The event featured a Hepatitis Screening Camp aimed at promoting early detection and treatment of hepatitis among the university community and the general public.
The event commenced with an insightful keynote address by Prof Dr Shahid Rasool on “Elimination of Viral Hepatitis from Pakistan”. He highlighted the current status of viral hepatitis in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted efforts to eliminate the disease. He further briefed that about 304 million people were suffering from chronic Hepatitis B or C in 2022. The estimated number of people newly infected by viral hepatitis declined from 3 million in 2019 to 2.2 million in 2022. Dr Shahid suggested that hepatitis B and C prevention, including immunization and safe injections, and the initial impact of expanding hepatitis C cure, have had an impact on reducing incidence. Strengthening viral hepatitis prevention, and making hepatitis C cure more widely available, are important for a sustainable response.”
As part of the World Hepatitis Day observance, a key highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr Muhammad Ilyas Shakir, who emphasized the importance of “Chronic Hepatitis B Simplified Treatment.” Dr Shakir provided an overview of chronic hepatitis B, highlighting its prevalence, transmission methods, and the long-term health risks associated with the infection, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dr Umair Shafqat, delivered a compelling presentation on the “Prevention of Viral Hepatitis”. His insights provided clear and actionable strategies for preventing the spread of viral hepatitis, highlighting the collective responsibility of individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Dr Umair Shafqat’s presentation, underscored the critical importance of preventing viral hepatitis through vaccination, safe practices, and public education.
Prof Dr Khalid Mehmood Yahya stated that precaution is the best way to protect oneself from a dangerous disease like hepatitis. He further mentioned that Madina Teaching Hospital is providing all medical facilities for the screening and treatment of hepatitis patients.
On this occasion, a poster competition and a quiz contest were held among MBBS students on the topics of hepatitis awareness and treatment. In the poster competition, Anayza, a student from the 4th year MBBS secured first place, while in the quiz contest, the team of Adan Amjad and Kashmala Saif achieved first position.
The Hepatitis Screening Camp saw a significant turnout, with 250 + students availing the free testing services. The initiative not only facilitated early detection but also provided an opportunity for individuals to receive immediate medical advice and referrals for further treatment if necessary. The success of the screening camp underscored the importance of such initiatives in the fight against hepatitis. This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
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