Viral Hepatitis Week 2023 begins – Ministry of Health

In Ciudad Libertadores, San Pedro and Perico, there will be vaccination campaigns and free voluntary testing for high-risk groups and those between the ages of 23 and 55.

To improve hepatitis B diagnosis, accessibility, quality of care, patient adherence to treatment and vaccination, the Department of Health of Jujuy province reports that on Monday 31 July, Wednesday 2 July, and Thursday 3 July and Friday, August 4, the 2023 Viral Hepatitis will be held in the province.

The campaign will take place at the Zabala de Perico, Paterson de San Pedro and Orías de Libertador hospitals, as well as in central squares and strategic points of these cities, where recruitment is more common. Between 9am and 1pm, we will be taking action to raise awareness, voluntary free Hepatitis B and C virus testing, and Hepatitis B vaccination, especially for those aged 23 to 55+.

Meanwhile, hospitals in El Carmen, Monterrico, La Mendieta, La Esperanza, Palmasola, Friel Pintado, Calilegua, Uto and El Tarral , will provide free hepatitis B vaccination to people in the same age group.

This work will be coordinated by the Provincial Health Department’s Epidemiology, Biochemistry Bureau, Primary Health Care Bureau, Social Work, Immunization and Provincial Viral Hepatitis Program teams.

Hepatitis B

Although dose coverage does not exceed 15% for people over the age of 23, up to 10% of those who cross the border develop chronic symptoms that are entirely preventable with vaccination. Spread among sexually active people, leading to a decrease in future infection rates.

Hepatitis C

Up to 80% of cases become chronic, and although there is no vaccine for this type, drug treatment is effective in more than 95% of cases.

Screening and vaccination are key to avoiding complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, liver transplant or death.