OFF THE HOOK WITH SALLY J (04 AUGUST 2020)
This evening we raise awareness on the silent epidemic, Hepatitis E.
Namibia has been experiencing an outbreak of the Hepatitis E virus since December 2017. The initial cases were reported in the informal settlements of Windhoek and has now spread to all its 14 regions.
The disease, which is more common in areas with poor hand washing and lack of clean water, has been described as an epidemic, as more cases are reported to the authorities.
Just last week,
World Hepatitis Day was commemorated on 28 July to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.
There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. Together, hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of deaths, with 1.3 million lives lost each year.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, viral hepatitis continues to claim thousands of lives every day.
This year’s theme is “Hepatitis-free future,” with a strong focus on preventing hepatitis B among mothers and newborns.
On 28 July, WHO will publish new recommendations on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
This will be the highlight of the evening including contributions from Dr Petrus Mhata, Country Representative to WHO and Dr Linda Nangombe, a General Practitioner based in Ongwediva
