Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Nov 29:
World Hepatitis Day 2024 was observed in Ukhrul on Friday, with a program held at the Converted Multipurpose Hall, Police Reserve Line, District Headquarters (DHQ). The event was organized by the District Health Society Ukhrul under the aegis of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), with the theme “It’s Time for Action.”
The main resource person for the event was Dr. Phangreichon Lungran, the District Nodal Officer (DNO) of NVHCP Ukhrul. During her speech, she highlighted the seven early signs of hepatitis, including abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, fatigue, fever, jaundice, joint pain, and loss of appetite. Dr. Lungran emphasized the importance of recognizing these symptoms early, as hepatitis is a serious condition that can lead to liver damage, cancer, and even death if untreated. She further explained that there are five main strains of hepatitis viruses, classified as A, B, C, D, and E, with Hepatitis B and C being the most common worldwide. Together, these strains result in an estimated 2.2 million new infections each year.
Dr. Lungran also discussed the urgent need for action, stating that a person dies every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness.
With this year’s theme focusing on the acceleration of diagnosis and treatment, she stressed the need for better awareness, early detection, and treatment to reduce mortality rates and improve public health globally.
The event was graced by the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Enoli Kengoo Zuringla, who was the chief guest. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about viral hepatitis, a condition that causes severe liver disease and cancer. She added that such observances are crucial for educating the public about the disease, its transmission, and prevention, which can help reduce its spread.
Dr. Kapangring A. Shimray, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Ukhrul, presided over the event and shared alarming statistics about the prevalence of hepatitis in India. According to recent estimates, 40 million people in India are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and six to twelve million are infected with hepatitis C. He also noted that in 2022, India reported nearly 2.98 crore cases of hepatitis B, underscoring the pressing need for early detection, vaccination, and improved healthcare services to combat the disease.
Other notable attendees included Ringthing Hongchui, MPS, Addl. Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ukhrul, Dr. Reisangmi Raikhan, and the Superintendent of Ukhrul District Hospital. The event was well attended by various officials, healthcare professionals, and members of the Ukhrul police department, including Manila.
