Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis: The Need to Accelerate Medical Interventions

After her father passed away, Halima requested his autopsy certificate to understand the cause of death. It was liver cancer. She feels stifled by the lack of willingness of her family to talk about hepatitis B, and wonders if old superstitions in her country about the disease are not contributing to the stigma associated with the illness.

When Vincent learned that his young daughter had hepatitis B, he knew he had to fight for her health. What he did not anticipate was the reaction from family and others who observed the symptoms the little girl presented.

The only way we can overcome this disease is through enlightenment. Superstitions will not help. Stigma will not curb its spread.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to the inflammatory condition of the liver and is commonly caused by viral infections, however other causes include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Stigma, social exclusion, and discrimination to mention a few are concerns people living with Hepatitis endure, be it hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the less common types D & E.

Critical Statistics

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic viral hepatitis affects over 70 million Africans (60 million with hepatitis B and 10 million with hepatitis C). Yet, despite the availability of diagnostic tools and effective treatment, over 90% of people living with hepatitis B and C in Africa lack much-needed care. Fewer than 1 in 10 people in Africa have access to testing and treatment, so the disease often progresses to advanced liver disease with its associated catastrophic financial burden as well as emotional distress and stigmatization.

Mode of Viral Transmission

  • Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated food and water and cause acute infections and outbreaks in areas of poor sanitation and inadequate waste disposal.
  • The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through parenteral (other means than the mouth, or alimentary canal) and percutaneous (the skin) contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
  • The hepatitis C virus is a blood-borne virus with the most common modes of infection through parenteral exposure to blood, blood products and other body fluids.
  • Hepatitis D is less common and occurs only in association with hepatitis B.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Dark urine
  • Pale stool
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice

Hepatitis Diagnosis

Hepatitis may be diagnosed by the following tests:

  • Liver Function Tests
  • Liver Biopsy
  • Ultrasound

Tips for Prevention

#1. Practice Good Hygiene. Avoid sharing drug needles, razors, toothbrushes or touching spilled blood. Other tips include avoiding raw or uncooked foods, fruits, and vegetables.

#2. Get Vaccinated. This is an important key to preventing hepatitis. Vaccines help to prevent the development of hepatitis A and B.

Lending Our Voice to the Conversation

World Hepatitis Day falls on July 23 and Xcene Research will be lending its voice to the conversation in accelerating the decentralization of services bringing them closer to patients & overcoming persistent barriers to testing and treatment.

We are at the forefront of the research for accelerated access to life-saving research & treatments such as hepatitis and other life-threatening diseases.

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