Various health promotion, hepatitis B testing and vaccination campaigns are organized to mark World Hepatitis Day. The event takes place at the City Center of Medical Care (CAMM), Club des Andes, avenue N 7, capital. community and the emergency rooms of the San Javier de la Banda and Termas de Río Hondo CICs.
César Monti, Undersecretary of Health; Martha Tarquini, Director of the Center for Primary Health Care; Gonzalo Terán, Director of Community Health and Human Development; Daniel Domínguez, Director of the Central Laboratory; Valentina Briz, Director of Pharmacy; Lucía Abdulajad, Provincial HIV/ Consultant for AIDS, STD and Viral Hepatitis projects; Vittorio Ramos, responsible for the operational management of the above projects; Reference for Antonella Farías in the youth sector and members of the Argentine Identity Association Di.Va.S and ATTTA.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of prompt diagnosis, as hepatitis is often asymptomatic and the disease can go unnoticed. If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to liver damage and even death.
During the opening session, Deputy Minister Monti emphasized the importance of educating the community about viral hepatitis. “I celebrate these calls to educate communities about their healthcare and prevent disease. This time we will have testing for early diagnosis, vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, and counseling on different treatments to cure Hepatitis C “.
Next, Dr Lucía Abdulajad highlighted hepatitis B and C: “There are different types of hepatitis, A, B, C, D and E, but currently more emphasis is placed on hepatitis B and C because they can leading to chronic hepatitis.” When a person has chronic hepatitis, they have a high rate of developing cirrhosis and are at risk of developing liver cancer. Hence the importance of preventing and treating these two viral infections,” he concludes.
Likewise, Dr. Takini referred to the work of primary health care in promoting and preventing disease. “Through APS, we provide our people with a better quality of life, we always keep our doors open, we go to the community, we go to the family, and we work with civic associations to prevent and promote health. In this way, We understand people’s needs and concerns so we can provide them with answers from within the health system.”