Motorway police launches hepatitis awareness campaign

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD: Motorway and highway police here on Thursday launched a daylong awareness campaign to educate the road-users about the potentially fatal hepatitis virus.

The campaign was launched in connection with World Hepatitis Day, observed throughout the country on last week. Members from the civil society organizations spread awareness among the general public about hepatitis, its causes, symptoms and the need to act swiftly in order to prevent it. The motorway police personnel distributed the informative pamphlets regarding the hepatitis virus at Islamabad motorway toll plaza. DIG Motorways, Dr. Muhammad Shafiq was also present on the occasion.

They were informed that every three persons out of 10 in Pakistan are infected with hepatitis A or E, the most common variants which spread through contaminated water, adulterated food, reusing hypodermic needles, blades, and unsterilized surgical equipment.

Muhammad Shafia pointed out that even the dialysis machine, which serves patients during critical times, might become a major proponent in spreading all types of viruses if handled carelessly.

He added blood transfusion without getting it screened first is also a main cause of the spread of this virus to a healthy person.

DIG motorways while talking to the motorists said that motorway police is committed to save lives by preventing traffic violations and educating public about fatal diseases through discourse. Various organizations and medical institutions in the federal capital to also organized several other activities mark the day including awareness walks, educational sessions and seminars.

Pakistan Green Task Force and Citilab Islamabad also jointly organized a seminar on World hepatitis Day. Addressing on the occasion speakers said that the screening of blood products and using sterilized equipment by medical practitioners are essential to protect from the disease. They said that the media’s role is important in this regard, through which people could be apprised about the disease and preventive measures for protection from the disease.

They said hepatitis B and C is a blood borne disease and usually chronic and has long term consequences.