National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB) observed the World Hepatitis Day on July 28th, 2018 in Bangladesh. The day was observed globally by member countries and organizations of the World Health Organization (WHO) & World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA).
The theme of the day was “Eliminate Hepatitis” by 2030’. The campaign of the day was “Find the Missing Millions”.
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 people living with viral hepatitis are unaware.This huge unaware people is the main barrier of tackling both the viruses (silent Killers). In Bangladesh, the report of different studies showed about 4% to 5% have hepatitis B & about 1% have hepatitis C.
National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB) observed the day with various awareness-building events. “Find the Missing Millions” campaign, was conducted on July 15, 2018, among indigenous people of Rangamati, Chittagong Hill Tracts. Free hepatitis B & C screening was done among 810 people of `Chakma’ tribe.The scenario is alarming, most of them don’t know about viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B was found in 40 (4.93%) and hepatitis C in 2 (< 0.24%).
Finding this 42 hepatitis B & C (40+2) is the real outcome of the “Find the Missing Million” Campaign by NLFB in Bangladesh. Thanks to WHA for selecting this campaign of WHD 2018. Let us work to find the similar millions more.
Free hepatitis B & C screening conducted for Thalassaemia patients of Bangladesh Thalassaemia Samity (BTS) & in the National Liver Foundation office on World Hepatitis Day. The awareness rally was inaugurated by renowned media personality Mr. Shorker Feroz, CEO & Advisor, ATN News.
The colorful rally includes Roller skates, Horse carts and Motorbike started from Manik Mia Ave, crosses the main road of Dhaka city and ended at Daily star Auditorium, Kawranbazar. Doctors, Patients, members of Youth Club of Bangladesh and many University and college students actively participated in the rally and other events of the day.
The seminar was held at the Daily star Auditorium. National Professor Jamilur Raja Choudhury, Chairman of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, chaired the seminar. Ekushey Padak winner Prof. Mirza Mazharul Islam, renowned surgeon & member Board of Adviser of the foundation was the chief guest. Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, NLFB delivered the keynote speech. He highlighted the various ongoing activities of the foundation and awareness programmes especially NOhep network and Find the Missing Million campaign in Bangladesh.
The welcome address was given by Prof. M. Anisur Rohman, Joint Secretary General, NLFB.
Renowned Gastroenterologist Prof. M.A. Masud talked on different aspects of Hepatitis B & C.
Dr. Shafi Uddin Mahmud, Gastroenterologist presented the free treatment program of young hepatitis B and C patients under the ongoing Zakat Fund program of NLFB. Students of different Universities of Dhaka city attended the seminar.
Special WHD 2018 Souvenir was published. Hon. Prime Minister of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh & Hon. President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh gave special messages on this day with special emphasis on Elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 in Bangladesh. President of World Hepatitis Alliance, Michael Ninburg offered a special message to the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, appreciating the exemplary performance of NLFB in the national & international arena.
BBC Bangla broadcasted an interview with Prof. Mohammad Ali. Television programs of NLFB were broadcasted on the popular TV Channel ATN Bangla. Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, Prof. M Anisur Rahman, Joint Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh and Former Professor and head, dept. of Gastroentarology, BIRDEM general Hospital, Prof. Salimur Rahman, University Grant Commission (UGC) Professor and President, Association for the study of Liver Diseases Bangladesh & Prof. Dr. Faruk Ahmed, Professor & Head, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Dhaka Medical College & Hospital (DMCH) and Secretary General, Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society participated.
ATN News broadcasted a special program as News Hour Extra, Panelist were Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, Maj Gen (Rtd.) Muhammad Rabiul Hossain, Gastroenterologist, Former Chief Physician Bangladesh Armed Forces & EC member of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh and Prof. Nooruddin Ahmad Professor and Former Chairman, Dept. of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). The program was presented by renowned journalist Munni Saha.
A week-long special awareness campaign run in the online social media with huge participation.
NOhep & Find the Missing Millions & ELIMINATION by 2030 was highlighted in every programme of the day. Special interview on control strategies of viral hepatitis published in daily Newspaper, Kaler Konto. & English dailies. Most popular online news portal bdnews24.com published events of NLFB on WHD.
Brochures of “No hep network Bangladesh”, awareness leaflets & posters were distributed among common people at different strategic points of the capital city.
Our maxim, no one with viral hepatitis should remain undiagnosed & untreated.
Together we can eliminate viral hepatitis in Bangladesh by 2030
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