“In the Western Pacific region hepatitis B is estimated to stand at 20 percent and hepatitis C at 1 percent, approximately one out of every five people in the Solomon Islands has hepatitis B,” Dr. Rakei, National Program Director of the MHMS.
Speaking in late September this year, Dr. Jackson Rakei said an estimated 53,000 to 79,000 are living with hepatitis B in the country and the disease is ranked fourth in all causes of cancer in the country.
Dr. Rakei said a total of 90 chronic hepatitis B patients were registered at the hospital when he made his announcement.
Out of the 90 patients then registered 27 were on treatment, while the rest were not on treatment due to loss of follow up because of geographical location, patients advanced with decomposed liver condition, or those that had opted for herbal and custom medicines,” he said
He confirmed out of the 27 patients on treatment, four had died due to end-stage liver complications.
He added, the Ministry had included the hepatitis program into the STI/HIV national strategic plan 2019-2023 which is supported by the World Health Organization in efforts to curb hepatitis B diseases.
“The ministry will be rolling out a program in three priority areas for the elimination of hepatitis in the country,” the Health’s National Program Director said.
Testing for hepatitis is done at the NRH and most provincial hospitals.
Source. SIBC NEWS.
Comment.
I view of the high prevalence of hepatitis B in the country it would be appreciated if the MHMS could say whether the hepatitis program has yet been rolled out and, if so, its progress.
One would also be appreciative to know the cause(s) of hepatitis B and any preventative measures that might be followed to prevent contacting the deadly illness.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
