Bangladesh will observe World Hepatitis Day-23 today (Friday) aiming to raise awareness against the deadly virus, with the theme 'We are not waiting'.
The day is observed every year on July 28 to increase awareness of different forms of hepatitis and methods of its prevention and treatment.
This day is observed on July 28, the birthday of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, to honour him as he discovered the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
In Bangladesh, the government and different non-government organizations have chalked out various programmes, including seminars, rallies and health campaigns, to observe the day.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day. Shahabuddin, in his message, said the liver is an important organ in the human body and the number of liver-related patients in the country is constantly increasing due to lack of proper understanding among the public about liver-related disease, its prevention and taking timely treatment for this disease.
Hepatitis is one of the liver related diseases, he said, adding that uncontrolled lifestyle, unsafe blood circulation and drug addiction are the main causes of hepatitis B and C virus infections.
An inclusive treatment for hepatitis B and C virus infections has not yet been discovered, Shahabuddin said, adding that viral hepatitis is largely preventable through creating awareness among people.
The President called upon all concerned to take necessary initiatives to create mass awareness about Hepatitis in order to prevent the spread of this virus.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the Awami League-led government has been working tirelessly for the development of the health sector after assuming power in 2009.
"We have formulated a public health policy and we are implementing this policy," the Premier added.
The government has established new medical colleges, dental colleges, nursing colleges, nursing institutes, medical assistant training schools and health technology institutes, she said.
The number of beds and medical services in general hospitals and specialized hospitals has been increased manifold, she said, adding that about 18.5 thousand community clinics and union sub-health centres have been established to provide healthcare to the rural people.
"Due to the many steps taken by us, considerable improvement has been achieved in the health sector. Child and maternal mortality rates have decreased significantly while the average life expectancy of people has increased," she said.
The Premier urged the medical community to engage in the service of common people with the utmost sincerity, as there is a goal to eliminate Hepatitis worldwide by 2030.
She sought cooperation of all, including the government, private individuals, organizations and institutions, to prevent hepatitis in the country.
