Dharamshala: The Department of Health, CTA observed World Hepatitis Day by organising a virtual awareness drive for health care workers and patients.
The webinar was addressed by doctors and medical experts from allopathic and traditional Tibetan medicine namely Dr Dhondup Tashi from Gajang Medical Society, Dr Lungtok from TMAI, hepatitis B advocate Ven. Ngawang Jampa, and Nurse Yama Lhamo.
The doctors talked about the importance of testing, treating and vaccinating against Hepatitis B whereas Ven. Ngawang Jampa spoke about her experience as a Hepatitis B patient and the importance of being mentally strong, frequent follow-ups, and continuous treatment and inculcating a balanced diet.
This year’s theme, “Bringing hepatitis care closer to you”, aims to raise awareness about the need to simplify and bring hepatitis care to the communities and people wherever they are. World Hepatitis Day takes place every year on 28 July bringing the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.
Door to Door and mass awareness sessions were also held across the settlements and schools with Health talks and free screenings activities etc.
Activities were financed by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.
5 actions to protect yourself against hepatitis:
- Vaccinate infants against Hepatitis B, particularly Hepatitis B vaccine to babies at birth and Hepatitis B immunoglobulins to babies of Hepatitis B positive mothers.
- Use your own razors and blades
- Practice safe sex
- Use safe tattooing and piercing equipment
- Use sterile injections always
