Guyana has taken proactive measures to address the backlog of over 280 suspected cases of hepatitis C, a release from the Ministry of Health said on Friday.
With a focused effort on testing, diagnosis, and treatment, over 35 confirmed positive cases have been found the release said.
As part of the Government’s effort to combat hepatitis, the Ministry of Health (MOH) recently launched the National Hepatitis Clinic at the National Care and Treatment Centre, in Georgetown.
The release said that the clinic operates on Wednesdays and offers specialised care and treatment for individuals living with hepatitis. This facility provides a platform for early detection, treatment, and support for patients.
Mid-last year, the MOH, with support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) inaugurated its first National Hepatitis B & C Testing and Treatment Guidelines, a tool which governs the management and treatment protocol of hepatitis.
Guyana has taken proactive measures to address the backlog of over 280 suspected cases of hepatitis C, the ministry added. With a focused effort on testing and treatment, over 35 confirmed positive cases have already commenced their journey towards recovery.
The release said that MOH has managed to expand its testing and effective treatment services to all ten administrative Regions. Regional visits to screen individuals and provide essential treatments at various hospitals are conducted every quarter.
Furthermore, Guyana has integrated regular testing for Hepatitis B and C at all Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) sites throughout the country. This approach empowers individuals to be proactive about their health, ensuring early diagnosis and prompt access to treatment if necessary.
World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28. Guyana joined the global community in this fight to raise awareness about the impact of hepatitis and reaffirmed its commitment to combat this silent killer under the theme: “One life, one liver- Scale up Access to Diagnosis and Treatment to Save Lives”.
Hepatitis is a group of viral infections that affect the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The most common types are Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with distinct transmission routes and health implications, the ministry added.
