Charles Oduor 
As the world struggles with the effects of Covid 19, 28 July is down in history books as a day to mark the World Hepatitis Day. Hepatitis is a viral disease that is as a result of inflammation of the liver that leads to a number of health complications including liver cancer.
According to WHO, one third of the world’s population is either suffering or has suffered at some pointing time with an approximation of 240 million people chronically infected. Hepatitis B is the most common liver infection that is caused by a HBV virus. While there is no specified cure for the infection, the prevention mechanisms are easy. This year’s theme is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”. With a person dying every 30 seconds from hepatitis related illness – even in the current COVID-19 crisis – we can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. Together, hepatitis B and C are the most common which result in 1.1 million deaths and 3 million new infections per year.
Among the common prevention measures available include vaccination, having protected sex, avoid sharing of needles when taking drugs and maintain proper hygiene always.
By Wycliffe Andabwa
