‘One Life, One Liver’: Nagaland observes ‘World Hepatitis Day’

With an objective to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and the need for prevention, testing, and treatment, Nagaland on Friday joined the world in observing “World Hepatitis Day” under 2023 theme, “One Life, One Liver” by organising various programmes.
In Dimapur, the “World Hepatitis Day” was observed by the Nagaland Users Network and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) in collaboration with Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dimapur office, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) Dimapur and Dimapur District Users Network (DDUN) at Conference Hall of Hotel Four Season, Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering, DMC administrator, W Manpai Phom emphasised on importance of increasing awareness about Hepatitis and sensitising the people about the available treatments.
He urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to actively engage with the concerned department and disseminate information within their respective jurisdictions.
A keynote address was delivered by Sr. specialist, NVHCP Dimapur, Dr Neilasakuo Linyu while NVHCP Dimapur, Imti Aier briefed the gathering on the data of Hepatitis in the state.
The programme was chaired by Mhasilienuo Shuya, short speeches were delivered by DDUN, Robin and Toshiwapang, and vote of thanks by Nukshinaro. Free Hepatitis testing sessions would be conducted on July 29, 11 a.m. onwards at the DMC Office.
Kohima: In Kohima, the day was observed at Red Cross, Conference hall, Kohima.
State nodal officer, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), Dr M Nukshisangla Jamir informed that Hepatitis B and C were most concerning diseases causing nearly 8000 new infections every day, and mostly undetected.
In his speech, special guest, National Health Mission (NHM), mission director, Dr Ritu Thurr stressed on the need to increase general awareness and create sensitisation and develop community participation.
Kripa Foundation, officer, Meghraj Lama spoke about World Hepatitis Day.
The programme was chaired by Adolescence friendly clinic, Kripa foundation, Khrievotsonuo Terhase.
The program was jointly organised by: Kripa foundation Nagaland, NVHCP, government of Nagaland, CDC, PATH and CAD Foundation
Mon: National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) Mon, Gospel Outreach Ministry Shansham Organisation and District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), Mon observed the day at Tammong Village, Gospel Outreach Ministry Rehab Centre.
In a keynote address, DTO, DACO & Nodal Officer, NVHCP Mon, Dr Tinenlo James Katiwa said that the disease Hepatitis B & C would cause liver damage, liver failure and may even lead to death. He requested the public to take the opportunity provided by the central government at the doorstep and avail the free health services.
Special guest of the programme, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mon, Dr Vezokholu Theyo said, “Wellbeing of health is considered on six dimensions: Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Emotional, Vocational and social”. Theyo said that one should be aware of these dimensions to lead a healthy life.
Highlighting the gathering on Hepatitis A, B and C, the CMO informed that screening could done in all the Health and Wellness Centres of the district, and if tested positive then one can avail free treatment at District Hospital.
In commemoration of the day, awareness session on viral hepatitis was elucidated by Nodal Officer Treatment Centre (NVHCP) DH Mon, Dr A.P Lemwang.
Longleng: Commemorating “World Hepatitis Day”, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) Longleng organised an awareness and screening programme at Bauting Government Higher Secondary School, Longleng.
Delivering the keynote address, nodal officer, NVHCP Longleng, Dr. Temsusashi highlighted the gathering on the significance of the day and oriented the participants on the types of hepatitis, preventive measures, modes of transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
During the programme, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Longleng, Dr. Tiasunep launched the district action plan for eliminating Viral Hepatitis by 2030.
Phek: National Viral Hepatitis Control programme (NVHCP) Phek observed the day at GHSS Phek with DTO Phek, Dr. Chukhusie Nyuwi as the main speaker.
In his address, Dr. Chukhusie highlighted the gathering on mode of transmission of Hepatitis virus, preventive measures of Hepatitis A and shared the epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus and its transmission.
In a keynote address, GHSS Sr. principal, Limadangit Jamir briefed the gathering on the significance and the aims and objectives of observing the “World Hepatitis Day”.