KARACHI:The results for a Dissemination of Sero Prevalence Survey for Hepatitis B, C, D and HIV were presented today at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Karachi, Sindh.

Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Pakistan, Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala attended the event as chief guests. Secretary Health, Zulfiqar Shah, DG Health, Dr. Juman Bahoto, CEO PPHI, Javed Ali Jagirani and representatives from UNICEF, AKUH, EOC, EPI were also in attendance.

Seroprevalence is the number of persons in a population who test positive for a specific disease based on serology specimens; often presented as a percent of the total specimens tested. The survey results that have come about through the efforts of WHO and Sindh Health Department show that hepatitis is more prevalent in men than women. In women the hepatitis virus is detected mostly after marriage.

The meeting was informed that the only way to reach elimination of the hepatitis virus from the community is to administer routine immunization of children in the delivery unit. This is the most efficient means to ensure that the incidents of adults with hepatitis are constantly on the decline.

Hepatitis virus may be contracted through vertical transmission and if left untreated, the infected child will stay infected for life which will result in chronic liver damage and death in the future. If hepatitis is contracted after the age of five the body has formed enough immunity and resistance to fight it off and remove the virus from the body.

The survey results revealed that in order to eliminate the virus from the community, Sindh must screen and treat around 200,000 people a year. Sex workers have a higher rate of infection for HCV but there is a rate of 98% cure for those who seek treatment.

Dr. Mahipala congratulated the efforts being made in the province that are ensuring that every year the cases of these viruses are decreasing. He also commended this data collection and hoped that projects like this will increase so as to provide a clearer idea of the healthcare needs of the people.

Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, stated that Hep. C is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and due to its high rate of successful treatment, it is something that can and should demand continued efforts.

She also said that communication and community engagement has been increased in order to make people more aware of these infectious diseases and how to prevent and treat them. Collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and other partners will surely help the people of Sindh live a healthier and safer life.