Often, when we talk of deadly diseases or sicknesses, our minds go to cancer, Aids, stroke, and the rest; hardly, we think of hepatitis. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, which can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer, is often caused by hepatitis viruses. Other infections, auto-immune diseases, and toxic substances such as alcohol and certain drugs also play a significant part in causing hepatitis.

What makes hepatitis a pressing concern is the fact that it's not just a single virus that causes it; its various types, A, B, C, D and E, can be contracted through different means – some as simple as contact with infected blood or even consumption of contaminated water or food. With hepatitis claiming millions of lives globally, especially in rural areas, it's crucial to ask: how many people are genuinely aware of the causes and dangers of this disease? The answer is sobering. This is not a problem we can afford to ignore.

Globally, more than 400 million people are infected with hepatitis viruses; 6–10 million people are newly infected yearly. Sadly, 95% of the infected victims do not know they have hepatitis. That makes hepatitis very dangerous. However, the good thing is that over 90% of people with hepatitis C (mainly transmitted through exposure to infective blood) can be completely cured within 3–6 months if they have the proper medical treatment. But the question is: how can one talk of a cure for a disease when they do not know they have the disease in the first place? Furthermore, although hepatitis C can be cured easily with the proper treatment, what about the other four hepatitis types? This is a compelling reason why creating social awareness about hepatitis becomes necessary.

As we join hands with the United Nations to celebrate World Hepatitis Day on 28 July each year, Kata Kata Village has decided to take rapid action to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease. Our goal is to educate every community member about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of hepatitis. We plan to achieve this through a series of educational workshops, free testing drives, and community outreach programs. Believing in the philosophy that a healthy person is a productive individual, the village recognises that there is no better way to bring much-needed social progress among its people than to maintain good health.

Do you share the beliefs and aspirations of the Kata Kata Village? Do you want to raise awareness about the dangers of hepatitis? If so, your participation is crucial. Let us join hands with the UNO and the Kata Kata Village to accomplish this unique task before us. Is there a better way to make this world a better place?

Wait a minute! The hepatitis campaign is about to kick off in the Kata Kata Village; come and join the campaign wagon before it leaves. You can participate by spreading awareness, getting tested, or even volunteering at our events. I am off, heading to the campaign. What about you?

 Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjG9IRPbjl0