Donald Lukele
The World Health Organization (WHO), Reports that hepatitis are increasing daily alongside HIV,Syphils and gonohorea.
Hepatitis contributes to around 2.5 million deaths. In 2022, 1.3 milion individuals died from hepatitis, up from 1.1 million in 2019.
This Concerning has led us to examine public knowladge of hepatitis.
Of these, 1.3 million people died from hepatitis alone in 2022, compared to 1.1 million in 2019. This alarming increase has prompted us to investigate how well people understand hepatitis.
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Lusajo Mwaipopo, a resident of Posta, admitted to having heard of the disease but lacks sufficient information and does not know how it is transmitted.
“Honestly, I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know how it spreads,” he said.
Abrahman Hamis, a businessman from Posta, also acknowledged that his family is among the many in Tanzania affected by the disease. His brother has been suffering from hepatitis for some time, and his health continues to deteriorate.
“His health is really poor. He has lost a lot of weight, and his eyes have turned very yellow. He went to Muhimbili Hospital, but the costs were high, so now we just pray for God’s mercy, though it is dangerous given how he lives with his family,” said Abrahman.
Helena Palanjo, an entrepreneur from Posta, Dar es Salaam, admitted that the community lacks sufficient education about this disease compared to other diseases like diabetes and HIV, making people more vulnerable because they don’t know how to protect themselves.
Media Wire did not stop there. We sought out Dr. Joel Mhoja from Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital to gain a deeper understanding of this disease.
Dr. Mhoja explained that this disease is caused by the Hepatitis virus, which attacks the body and causes significant damage in a short time.
“These viruses, when they attack the body, cause hepatitis, which is classified into Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. However, most people suffer from Hepatitis B and C,” said Dr. Mhoja.
SYMPTOMS OF THIS DISEASE
Dr. Mhoja said the symptoms include yellow eyes, a swollen abdomen, excessive sweating, especially at night, skin rashes, and constant itching.
“It is advised that if you see these symptoms, you should go to a health center to confirm what is bothering you and get treatment early. This will help you get treatment early,” said Dr. Mhoja.
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED
Dr. Mhoja explained that the main route of transmission is through bodily fluids like sweat and blood from one person to another.
“This can happen during childbirth if the mother has the disease and precautions are not taken by her and the doctors. The baby can get it.
“It can also be spread through sexual intercourse, especially when people have unprotected sex and get cuts or abrasions.
“Additionally, sharing items in salons, especially those not properly sterilized, can cause infections, as well as sharing clothes with someone who has the disease.
“It is also very dangerous to share items like helmets,” he said.
PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK
Dr. Mhoja explained that people who engage in same-sex relationships are at greater risk because it is easier to get cuts or abrasions.
“Also, children born to mothers with this disease.
“Furthermore, people who sell their bodies are at high risk as they expose themselves to many diseases, including hepatitis.
“People working in hospitals, like doctors and nurses, are also at risk, which is why training sessions are provided for them to avoid getting infected,” he added.
TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS
Dr. Mhoja said the first treatment is education about the disease. Once people understand it, it is easier to avoid it. If one gets it, they are advised to go to the hospital early to get treatment. It is much easier to treat when caught early, but if the cells are heavily attacked, it becomes more difficult.
WHAT ABOUT COMMUNITY EDUCATION?
Dr. Mhoja acknowledged that there is still a significant gap in understanding the disease across the country. However, as a referral hospital, they have made efforts to provide seminars for people, like pregnant women when they come for
