Liver testing, the only way to confirm one is infected

While some citizens claim they are unaware of liver disease and have never been tested for it, the health authorities in Rwanda say they are doing everything possible to protect Rwandans from these viruses and to ensure that those who are infected receive proper treatment.

kwamamaza

Liver disease is typically caused by five types of viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. This disease leads to the swelling of the liver, often due to the infection by one of these viruses.

Despite this, some citizens say that this disease is severe for those who contract it.

Health authorities in Rwanda state that since liver disease continues to affect people, they have prioritized various measures to protect citizens and educate them on how it is transmitted. This is important because, as stated by Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, an infected person might not be aware that they have the disease.

He said, "Services for the treatment and testing of liver diseases are provided at health centers and hospitals and are offered for free. It is essential for people to get tested to know their status, and once they are aware, they can make informed decisions and seek treatment. Since 2002, the hepatitis B vaccine has been included in the basic immunizations given to children, which is a significant step Rwanda has taken to ensure that citizens receive proper and quality treatment for liver diseases and are protected from these viruses."

While health authorities emphasize this, some citizens still claim they are unaware of this disease and suggest that health authorities should come closer to them to explain this condition.

Mr Patient SHEMA said, "I do not know much about liver disease; I only hear about it, and it sounds very frightening."

Another person added, "I am not very familiar with liver disease. Authorities should gather people and educate them about this disease, including its causes."

This is where the health sector emphasizes that the only way to know if you have liver disease is through testing, as a pregnant mother can transmit the disease to her child.

Julien Mahoro Niyingabira continues, "We encourage people to get tested to know their status. Those who are found to have the disease should start medical follow-ups. People should understand how these diseases are transmitted; anything that involves the mixing of blood or other body fluids can be a transmission route between a healthy person and an infected person. Often, the symptoms of these diseases do not appear immediately, and by the time they do, the disease may have already advanced. Feeling healthy and well does not necessarily mean you are disease-free."

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that this disease claims 1.3 million lives annually, meaning it kills approximately 3,500 people daily.

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) indicates that since 2018, over 8 million people aged 15 and above have been tested for hepatitis C, with 60,000 found to be infected. Additionally, 5 million people have been tested for hepatitis B, and 8,000 are currently on antiviral treatment.

Writor: Donatha Uwajeneza; Author: Emilienne KAYITESI

Liver testing, the only way to confirm one is infected

Uwajeneza Donatha Aug 2, 2024 - 10:10

While some citizens claim they are unaware of liver disease and have never been tested for it, the health authorities in Rwanda say they are doing everything possible to protect Rwandans from these viruses and to ensure that those who are infected receive proper treatment.

kwamamaza

Liver disease is typically caused by five types of viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. This disease leads to the swelling of the liver, often due to the infection by one of these viruses.

Despite this, some citizens say that this disease is severe for those who contract it.

While health authorities emphasize this, some citizens still claim they are unaware of this disease and suggest that health authorities should come closer to them to explain this condition.

Mr Patient SHEMA said, "I do not know much about liver disease; I only hear about it, and it sounds very frightening."

Another person added, "I am not very familiar with liver disease. Authorities should gather people and educate them about this disease, including its causes."

This is where the health sector emphasizes that the only way to know if you have liver disease is through testing, as a pregnant mother can transmit the disease to her child.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that this disease claims 1.3 million lives annually, meaning it kills approximately 3,500 people daily.

Writor: Donatha Uwajeneza; Author: Emilienne KAYITESI

Liver testing, the only way to confirm one is infected

While some citizens claim they are unaware of liver disease and have never been tested for it, the health authorities in Rwanda say they are doing everything possible to protect Rwandans from these viruses and to ensure that those who are infected receive proper treatment.

Related Post

Liver testing, the only way to confirm one is infected

While some citizens claim they are unaware of liver disease and have never been tested for it, the health authorities in Rwanda say they are doing everything possible to protect Rwandans from these viruses and to ensure that those who are infected receive proper treatment.