Combating liver diseases
Concerted efforts by all can help prevent and fight hepatitis virus related diseases
The World Hepatitis Day was observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world yesterday for raising awareness against the deadly virus. Ascertained by the WHO, the day is observed every year on 28th July since 2010 to raise awareness on different forms of hepatitis and various methods of prevention and treatment. This year the theme of the day was Elimination. The number of hepatitis virus affected patients is increasing gradually in Bangladesh and across the world. There is a wise saying that prevention is better than cure. A person should go for prevention rather than cure. By taking preventive measures a person can keep himself or herself away from various diseases. This can spare families from spending large sum of money unproductively. Once a person of modest means is attacked with liver disease, it will take its toll on the resources of his/her family.
Due to lack of awareness, reckless living, habit of smoking, absence of physical exercise and consumption of fatty food items, hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh are being afflicted with various diseases every year. Consumption of adulterated food and excessive drinking of alcoholic substance are also causing liver diseases. Adulteration of food items is rampant in our country. In a developing country like Bangladesh people are vulnerable to this disease. Treatment of the disease at public hospitals is not satisfactory. Early detection can help treatment and cure of the disease but due to lack of awareness many people suffer from the disease silently. When they go to doctors or hospitals it is too late. The treatment of the growing number of sick persons is taking a heavy toll on family resources as well as the state exchequer. By adopting correct life styles many people can fight shy of the disease.
A Liver Foundation Hospital will be set up in the country soon. It is expected that through proper functioning, this will facilitate treatment of liver diseases. The Safe Food Act has been passed in the parliament. This will contribute to checking food adulteration greatly. The government should be tough with the unsavoury elements responsible for adulteration of food items. To this end, the government and nongovernmental organizations should seek to motivate people in general to opt for a healthier lifestyle. It is urgent to create awareness among the people to prevent this disease and ensure necessary treatment facilities. Concerted efforts by all can help prevent and fight hepatitis virus related diseases.
