'The World Hepatitis Day' - 19Th May 2009

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum members,

‘One in every Twelve’ individuals suffer from the disease (either

chronic Hepatitis B or C). Together hepatitis B and C represent one of the

major threats to global health. Hepatitis B and C are both silent viruses and

anyone could be infected for many years without knowing it.

Approximately 1 million people die every year from chronic viral

hepatitis B or C. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that

hepatitis B is one of the major diseases affecting humankind today.

Hepatitis B is one of the most common viral infections in the world

and the WHO estimates that 2 billion people has been infected with the

hepatitis B virus and approximately 350 million people are living with chronic

(lifelong) infections. The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious and about

50-100 times more infectious than HIV.

In Manipur, various agencies estimate that Hepatitis C co-infection

among the Injecting drug users living with HIV is more than 90%

approx. For the last five years, Injecting drug users who are also

PLHIV (people living with HIV/AIDS) are dying from Hepatitis C but not with

HIV.

With the lack of information, knowledge and treatment cost,

access to treatment is almost negligible hence Hepatitis C has become a major

public health issue in the state of Manipur.

SASO (Social Awareness Service Organization) being a drug user

organization working among the drug user and PLHIV community, take

this issue as an emergent public health issue as these twin epidemic

of HCV and HIV is hardest hit in the state of Manipur for more than a decade.

SASO observed and took this day an important day, for the last three

years SASO has been observing ‘The World Hepatitis Day’ as part of

awareness, Education and advocacy to get access to proper treatment

among the IDUs community and various stakeholders in the state.

And this year this important global event ‘World Hepatitis Day’ was

observed on Tuesday, 19th of May, 2009 at SASO Head Office. The said

event is jointly organized by SASO and HIMALAYA HERBAL HEALTHCARE,

India during the event more than hundred personals were attended.

In Service,

Bangkim Chingsubam

SASO, Imphal

e-mail: <cbangkim@...>