BANGKOK, 28 July 2014 – The Public Health Ministry is raising awareness on Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day, which is observed on July 28 of every year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have urged policy-makers, health workers, and the members of the public to remain on high alert against Hepatitis, the largely unknown silent killer. The disease affects at least 400 million people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease, and killing more than one million victims every year.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which is typically caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time. Chronic hepatitis B and C cause more deaths worldwide than tuberculosis or even HIV/AIDS and are more contagious than other diseases.
In Thailand, up to 2 million people aged over 20 are believed to have contracted viral hepatitis. If left untreated, it is estimated that around 250,000 people in the kingdom will die from the virus each year.
To prevent the spread of the disease, the ministry urges members of the public to refrain from drinking alcohol excessively and to use protection during sexual intercourse. Should anybody have further inquiries about this disease, they are encouraged to call the hotline 1422.
