Today is World Hepatitis Day: PM issues message

Bangladesh will observe World Hepatitis Day-2024 today, aiming to raise awareness against the deadly virus with the theme 'It's time for action'.

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 usually chalk out various programmes, including seminars, rallies and health campaigns, to observe the day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a message on the eve of the day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said a total of 1.3 million people die every year due to hepatitis in the world, which is constantly increasing.

"Hepatitis is one of the causes of liver cancer. Therefore, to achieve the goal of eradication of hepatitis, it is necessary to create mass awareness," the premier added.

The greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman undertook various activities including the establishment of hospitals for the development of the country's medical system immediately after the country's independence, she said.

Following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, the Awami League (AL)-led government is implementing comprehensive development programs to bring health care to the doorsteps of the people and build a healthy, strong and functional population by providing Health and Nutrition Programme (HNP) services, she said.

"We have taken various steps including establishment of new hospitals and nursing institutes to ensure up-to-date health care by formulating a pro-people 'public health policy'," the premier said.

The present government has also increased the number of doctors, nurses and supporting staff along with increasing the number of beds in hospitals across the country, she added.

Around 18,500 community clinics and union health centers have been set up across the country to deliver health care at the doorsteps of the people at the village level, Sheikh Hasina continued.

Free health, family welfare and nutrition services are being provided to marginalized communities through Community Clinics and Union Health Centres, she mentioned.

Medical services have been introduced through mobile phones and online platforms from district and upazila level hospitals, she said, adding that as a result of these measures, the quality of medical care has increased.

The average life expectancy of people in the country has also increased, she added.

In recognition of the government's achievements, Bangladesh received the MDG Award for Reducing Child Mortality, South-South Award for Improving the Lives of Women and Children, South-South Award for Digital Health for Digital Development, she said.

 She said that Bangladesh has achieved polio eradication certificate from World (WHO).

"Moreover, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) awarded me the 'Vaccine Hero' award for the success of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also won the GAVI Award twice," she said.

Noting that the goal of eliminating hepatitis worldwide by 2030 is realistic and achievable with the efforts of all, the premier urged all to go through Hepatitis test and receive vaccination for the virus.

She called upon all concerned including medical society, private individuals, organizations and institutions to come forward to eradicate Hepatitis along with the steps taken by the government.

The premier wished all the programs undertaken on the occasion of 'World Hepatitis Day-2024' a success.