TACKLING HEPATITIS CHALLENGES IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The stigma associated with hepatitis or liver inflammation is a major obstacle to effective disease management and often discourages individuals from seeking screening.

Consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Sunway City, Dr Sheikh Anwar Abdullah, said the most common types of hepatitis in Malaysia are B and C.

He said the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Malaysia stands at about 1per cent,  while Hepatitis C affects approximately 2.5 per cent of the population. 

“Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B, C, and D spread through blood and bodily fluids. Understanding these transmission routes is crucial for effective prevention,” Dr Sheikh Anwar said in a statement today.

He highlighted that a significant challenge in managing Hepatitis C is its asymptomatic nature, which often leads to late diagnosis when the disease has advanced to severe stages, potentially resulting in cirrhosis or cancer.

"Most hepatitis cases are asymptomatic. Without screening, you may not realise you have the disease until it has progressed to a chronic stage," Dr Sheikh Anwar said.

He stressed the importance of early screening and diagnosis to prevent complications associated with Hepatitis C, adding that regular monitoring is also crucial for Hepatitis B patients to assess liver function and detect early signs of liver cancer.

Dr Sheikh Anwar elaborated that treatment for chronic Hepatitis B focuses on suppressing the virus and slowing disease progression, but it does not cure the disease and patients face a lifelong challenge.

“In contrast, Hepatitis C treatment has advanced significantly, with antiviral medications now capable of curing around 98 per cent of cases within just three months.

“Routine screening is particularly important for high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, individuals involved in high-risk behaviors and those with a family history of hepatitis,” he said adding that early detection through these screenings enables timely treatment and helps prevent severe complications.

Dr Sheikh Anwar also highlighted the crucial role of antenatal screening for pregnant women to prevent the transmission of hepatitis from mother to child.

“We are currently administering antiviral treatment to pregnant women with Hepatitis B to minimise the risk of passing the infection to their babies,” he said.

To address the significant stigma surrounding hepatitis, Dr Sheikh Anwar urged for increased public awareness campaigns to educate people about the disease, its transmission and the importance of early detection and treatment.

He further noted that vaccination programmes have been a major achievement in the fight against Hepatitis B and since 1989, the administration of vaccines to newborns has led to a dramatic reduction in transmission rates.

“Among school-aged children, the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Malaysia has decreased from 2.5 per cent in 1985 to 0.4 per cent in 1996.

“Currently, 92.7per cent of those vaccinated are protected under the Immunisation Expansion Programme, supported by WHO and the Malaysian government,”he added.

However, he emphasifed that follow-up and booster shots might be necessary if antibody levels wane.

Dr Sheikh Anwar stressed the importance of continuous vaccination efforts, routine screenings and public education to effectively combat hepatitis and enhance public health standards in Malaysia.

He said lifestyle changes are crucial for managing hepatitis and patients should avoid alcohol and traditional medicines, maintain a healthy diet and prevent infections that could lead to liver complications.

Established in 1999, SMC is Malaysia's largest private quaternary hospital and has received numerous awards. It is ranked among the top 250 hospitals globally in the 2024 Newsweek World's Best Hospitals list, the first in the country to achieve this recognition.

The hospital, which boasts 28 Centres of Excellence, is accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).

-- BERNAMA 

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