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National Liver Foundation Launches The Task Force To Combat Hepatitis B
Mumbai, July 19th 2011 – As a part of global awareness initiative, National Liver
Foundation India has launched the special Task Force of eminent liver specialists
and gynaecologists across western India to combat the deadly virus of Hepatitis B. A
team of highly dedicated specialists will be working aggressively towards spreading
information about the deadly virus and educating the audiences to fight the disease
positively.
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In an initial situational analysis study conducted by National Liver Foundation, it is found
out that our country has seen the disease burden of around 13.5 million patients out of
which almost 4 million patients suffer from chronic disease, as compared to 2.5 million
AIDS patients in India, which constitutes to only 0.3% of total population. It is also a startling
fact that the Hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV virus. Hence the main
motive of the Task Force is to highlight the chronicle facts of the deadly virus to relevant
government authorities and seek support.
The Task Force formed by the National Liver Foundation will work closely with the
local health divisions to ensure maximum awareness is generated about the causes
and effects of Hepatitis B virus. In sync with the global campaign of ‘This is Hepatitis’
constituted by World Hepatitis Alliance, National Liver Foundation has taken the
responsibility of educating the masses about the harsh effects of the virus and
working towards the ultimate goal of eradicating it from the country’s health map.
This is Hepatitis is the theme continued from 2010 World Hepatitis Day campaign and aims
to tell the global human story of what viral hepatitis actually means – communicated by the
people most closely affected by the diseases.
The campaign theme is designed to tell the real-life stories of the effect that
hepatitis B and C have on the lives of the 500 million people living with the diseases
worldwide. The campaign theme focuses on the physical and emotional impact
of viral hepatitis, but also aims to empower those living with the diseases through
the sharing of inspirational stories. National Liver Foundation has launched the
campaign theme to generate increased understanding and to help fight the diseases
that kill over one million people every year.
Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Dr. Samir R Shah, Founder Trustee &
Honorary Secretary National Liver Foundation says, “Hepatitis B virus is a blood
borne disease which is more infectious than HIV virus. We are confident that with the
formation of new task force, National Liver Foundation will be able to accomplish its
mission and communicate with the target audiences more effectively.”
Carrying forward This is Hepatitis campaign from 2010, National Liver Foundation
will run an aggressive awareness campaign across the country through various
advertising and marketing campaigns, road shows and check up camps, along
with support from media. Keeping pace with the growing web world population, a
360 degree digital campaign has been developed. The foundation has developed
a variety of materials to promote the campaign theme, which are focused on the
following core areas:
• Prevention: ‘Get Protected’ – knowing the risk factors for hepatitis B and C is
the most important step in preventing new infections
• Diagnosis: ‘Get Tested’ – getting tested for hepatitis B and C is quick and
simple, and if people think they might be at risk, they should get tested
immediately
• Protection: ‘Get Vaccinated’ – in the case of hepatitis B there is a vaccine and
the disease is preventable through immunisation
• Treatment: ‘Get Treated’ – in many cases, treatment for hepatitis B and C is
effective
About National Liver Foundation
NLF (National Liver Foundation) is a voluntary, non-profit organization promoting
awareness and prevention of liver diseases. It offers help, information, and supports
to those suffering from liver disease and their families. In addition, NLF reaches
out to support programmes involving diagnosis, prevention and treatment of liver-
related diseases. With India’s large population growing every minute the task seems
humungous. Encouraging individuals to participate in their own preventive health-
care can prevent many serious diseases. Proper information and care can help
reverse the ill- effects of neglect and ignorance in many cases. NLF has taken the
first step. Your support can help us make lasting change in the lives of millions. Join
hands with NLF in this fight to make India free of liver diseases. |
