Free anti-hepatitis screening & vaccination Camp

Pakistan has 12 million cases of hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) and is therefore highest country in the world to have such a high disease occurrence. Viral hepatitis B and C cause chronic liver disease and its complications and death and is a major concern for Pakistan.

In order to prevent fatal but treatable disease hepatitis, Talitha KUMI in collaboration with Government of Punjab and Lab PK hold three-day long free blood screening and vaccination camp in Talitha KUMI Center, Bahar Colony, Kot Lakhpat, Lahore from 2 - 4 November 2019.

Talking to the inauguration ceremony held on 2nd November, Dr. Bilal from LAB PK said that hepatitis prevalence was a serious health hazard and lack of awareness was a major reason behind its spread.

Mr. Asif, Local Government Health Inspector said that the Government leaves no stone unturned in health services delivery, the camp he said was the part of the chief minister’s health package. He thank Talitha KUMI for its support and cooperation. He said the disease spreads through exchange of blood, using infected syringes and razor blades. People should take precautionary measures and avoid using other’s blades, razors and disposable syringes more than one time.

Shunila Ruth said that creating awareness about the lethal infectious disease Hepatitis and its prevention is our collective responsibility,” adding necessary preventive measures should be adopted before blood transfusion and ensure that the blood is screened for hepatitis and HIV.

Medical staff conducted blood screening tests of nine hundred and eleven people through RDT kits and vaccinated them against the disease. The screening results showed that 20% of the total numbers were diagnosed positive with Hepatitis C. The 20% prevalence of the disease in this area is very alarming. The people diagnosed positive have been referred to the General Hospital.