2024-08-05 10:02:51
With a central slogan “Ignorance is contagious!” Don’t get stuck in prejudices, inform today about Hepatitis”, the Hellenic Society of Liver Studies – E.E.M.H. (proceeds again this year in the information and awareness initiative on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, as July 28 has been set.
E.E.M.I. continues the effort to enlist all the involved bodies and raise awareness in society to prevent the transmission of Viral Hepatitis, improve care and quality of life, as well as safeguard the rights of affected individuals.
The goal is to make the elimination of chronic viral hepatitis a priority!
After all, the purpose of this year’s global campaign is to provide the right information, which in turn will contribute to the detection of more patients, so that they can be led to the right treatment. Diagnosis and correct treatment are therefore the two “weapons” in the quiver of the scientific community! At the same time, the need to mobilize the state is emphasized.
In this context, Municipalities and agencies throughout Greece are rallying on the side of E.E.M.H., illuminating important buildings and emblematic points on International Day, Sunday, July 28. The goal is the greatest possible dissemination of the message of prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis, with a substantial and not only a symbolic goal. The Municipality of Ioannina will illuminate the historic building of the Ioannina City Hall.
Hepatitis and the facts in Greece
The term “hepatitis” refers to inflammation of the liver. It is often of an infectious etiology, but there are other forms, such as autoimmune and pharmaceutical. Viral hepatitis is mainly caused by five viruses (A to E), transmitted either parenterally (B and C) or through food.
Viral hepatitis continues to plague hundreds of millions of people around the world and is a huge public health problem. Greece is now ranked among the countries with a low prevalence of viral hepatitis. In particular, in our country it is estimated that more than 100,000 people suffer from hepatitis B virus infection. As for hepatitis C, it is estimated that up to 80,000 people suffer in our country, of which a large percentage do not know it.
Vaccination against hepatitis B has been included in the National Immunization Program of our country and is the only effective way to prevent the disease and its complications. In addition, the use of antiviral drugs has significantly contributed to the treatment of viral hepatitis B in affected patients.
Hepatitis C is currently curable, since new generation drugs have radically changed the landscape in the pharmaceutical treatment of these patients. A strategic goal in our country through the National Action Plan, which has been drawn up, remains the elimination of hepatitis C by the year 2030 (goal, set by the World Health Organization) or as close as possible to this year. Today, all patients have access to the new treatment regimens, which lead to the complete clearance of the virus and the cure of the infection.