Hepatitis Day, they carry out 360 tests in San Martin Square

Hand washing, vaccination and condom use are key measures to prevent these infections.
Photo: cba.gov.ar

With broad community participation and within the framework of World Viral Hepatitis Day every year on 28 July, a consultation and testing session was held this Friday in the capital’s Plaza San Martin.

Organized by the Ministry of Health’s AIDS, STIs, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis programme, the event saw 360 tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and HIV.

In this regard, the project leader Diosnell Boucher said: “Today’s experience is very good, because there are many people who come for testing, from the elderly to young people; and the acceptability of the test. Think today is Hepatitis Day; that is, the date is installed in the community”.

It should be noted that during the day, in addition to providing research, the team also provided information and answered various queries from visitors.

It is also worth mentioning that different activities took place this week, including prevention and testing days at Rosen Hospital and towns in the interior of the province.

Regarding the meeting held in the square, Boucher emphasized: “This time, people who participated in the meeting have realized that they are at risk of infection and want to know the result of their diagnosis. This is very important, because the identification of these diseases needs to be detected by testing” .

This testing and advice point will continue throughout August in the same area in front of the Casa del Obispo Mercadillo, with follow-up from 3pm to 6pm.

It should be remembered that the community can access these screening studies at different health centers throughout the year. In all cases, the tests are free and confidential and can be applied for by anyone over the age of 13.

Also, remember that it is essential to have a complete vaccination card that includes doses for hepatitis.

Also, it is worth noting that in Argentina, treatment for both chronic hepatitis B and C is free and very effective.

about hepatitis

Hepatitis is chronic inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection. The most common types are A, B, and C.

Hepatitis A It is spread by contact with water, elements or objects contaminated with feces and may cause acute symptomatic infection.

Hepatitis B It is spread during sex (oral, vaginal, and anal) without using a condom. Infected blood can also be exposed by sharing sharp objects such as needles, syringes, or razors. Also, pregnant women with hepatitis B may pass it on to their babies during pregnancy or delivery.

Hepatitis C It is spread through contact with infected blood, sharing sharp objects. Although rare, it can also be transmitted sexually, so condom use is recommended.

Regarding preventive measures, frequent hand washing and adequate cooking of food, use of condoms during all sexual relations, not sharing sharp objects, and vaccination against hepatitis A and B for both boys and girls are recommended.

In this sense, it should be clarified that the hepatitis B dose should be used by all, regardless of age.