CAIRO: The National Committee for the Control of Viral Hepatitis will organized a number of vital liver healthcare activities at Al Azhar Park on May 19, marking the World Hepatitis Day. On this day, the public will have free access to HBV and HCV screening, HBV vaccination, abdominal ultrasound exams, consultations with renowned hepatologists and awareness seminars, all of which take place at Al Azhar Park. Celebrities including acclaimed actress Youssra and Amr Waked as well as popular members of the Egyptian national football team will participate. Children's activities are planned, including healthcare education presented by the characters of the popular TV program "Alam Semsem. World Hepatitis Day, observed on May 19, is coordinated by the World Hepatitis Alliance, an NGO representing more than 200 hepatitis B and C patient groups from around the world. Under the slogan, "Am I number 12? the World Hepatitis Alliance aims to increase awareness of the shocking statistic that one in 12 people on the planet are living with hepatitis B or C and yet the majority of the 500 million infected are unaware. This is over 10 times the number infected with HIV/AIDS. In Egypt around 12 to 4.5 percent of the population have been infected with HCV and HBV respectively. "The Ministry of health has achieved crucial accomplishments in HCV treatment, said Dr Gamal Esmat, member of the National Committee. "In 2007, over 45,000 patients have visited treatment centers and received consultations. The government has allocated LE 240 million towards HCV treatment and 90 percent of the 14,000 patients in need of treatment are supported by the government and national health insurance. Through a comprehensive five-year plan, the National Committee aims to achieve a number of crucial objectives including: Determining disease prevalence in Egypt and economic implications; providing HBV and HCV treatment in line with international guidelines; raising public awareness to limit the spread of infection; implementing preventive measures in all healthcare centers and hospitals and creating a database containing all Egyptian research carried out on viral hepatitis along with completing required and complementary studies. To support prevention, treatment and liver transplant efforts, a fund is currently being established by the Egyptian Liver Care Association. "Viral hepatitis is not only a healthcare issue, but one that has a profound social impact, said Dr Manal El Sayed. "We'd like to thank everyone who has helped us come this far including Orascom Group, the Sawiris Foundation, the EFG-Hermes Foundation, the USAID, Johns Hopkins Communication for Healthy Living, Roche, Schering, GSK, as well as the health forum volunteers. It is imperative that all able parties contribute to this national cause to help save millions of lives.
