WORLD HEPATITIS DAY

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY.

This day is always celebrated on the 28^th of July every year to raise awareness on Viral Hepatitis an inflammation of the Liver that causes severe Liver disease and hepatocellular Cancer. This day was chosen because the scientist by name Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered Hep B and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus was his Birth day.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the Liver or abnormal increase in the size of the Liver due to excessive use of Alcohol, Toxins, Drugs and some medical conditions. The Liver is the vital organ in the body and performs several functions such as: Nutrients processing, blood filtering and defense mechanism. when the Liver is damage or inflamed, it does not perform its functions and Hepatitis of either types and Liver cirrhosis set in which has no cure once diagnosed.

This year, it is observed on Wednesday the 28^th of July.

Theme for this year is:” HEPATITIS CAN NOT WAIT”.

Heavy alcohol consumption, toxins, medications especially tramol which Youths take now days to feel elevated for no reason and some medical conditions all leads to Hepatitis.

Three types of Hepatitis exist which are: Hep A, Hep B, and Hep C.

Amongst these types, B is found in blood, semen and vaginal fluids and it is an STI which can be transmitted through unprotected sex, contaminated syringes and needles and also sweats.

Some types will pass without any serious problem while others can be long lasting and can cause Liver scaring, loss of liver function and in some cases liver cancer.

If you are experiencing or have once had the following, there is a call for concern.

Jaundice around the eyes, frequent fatigue, loss of appetite, brown or orange urine and amongst others. However, symptoms may not show up until 1 to 6 months after you contract the virus.

Being diagnosed of Hepatitis does not mean that your end has come but you can manage your symptoms by advoiding alcohol use, abstained from unprotected sex and take your medication at the right dosage.

To end, let us stay safe and away from heavy alcohol use, drug abuse and unprotected sex so as to safeguard our Lives. ,

Happy Hepatitis World Day.

Mbiydzenyuy Ferdinant Sonyuy

Ferdinant is the President/CEO of the Reconciliation and Development Association, RADA, He started his career as a Finance Clerk with the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) Health Services where he progressed to a Grants Writer, Administrative Assistant and became the pioneer Program Manager for the Non Communicable CBCHS Non Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Program. The NCD Program was his flagship achievement at the institution besides other roles and initiatives. He has a bachelors degree in Biochemistry from the University of Buea, a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion from the Public Health Foundation of India, an an SDG MPH student at New York University. Ferdinant is a Multi Fellow award winner including the US Department of State Community Solutions Fellow, Union for International Cancer Control Fellow and One Young World Ambassador. He has wide experience in programs and projects development and management and earned several academic certifications online and through in person trainings. He is the Secretary General of the Cameroon Civil Society NCD Alliance and Regional Civil Society Representative for Central Africa and Member of the Secretariat for the Africa NCD Network.

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