Early Detection is Key to Treatment of Hepatitis: says MoHAP on World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July every year, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

July 27, 2021:  As part of its commitment to improving public health and immunizing society, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) continues to launch regular awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of the early detection of hepatitis C. This also aims to achieve health security by developing and advancing the health system to the best international practices.

According to official statistics on hepatitis, the UAE is among the world's least affected countries, thanks to the strenuous efforts being made by the government and private health departments. Healthcare providers are also constantly trained on the latest methods of diagnosing and treating the disease, applying the best preventive practices to reduce the spread of the virus.

Additionally, the country, in its endeavors to fight the disease, works on strengthening partnerships and resources, formulating evidence- and data-based policies, developing prevention plans and programs, expanding the scope of examination, care and treatment services, applying the best preventive policies to curb the spread of the virus, and attracting the latest global practices and treatment protocols.  

The UAE is also one of the leading countries in the Middle East that included hepatitis B vaccination in the schedule of basic vaccinations in the national immunization program since 1991, which is part of the state's keenness to achieve the goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) which is eliminating hepatitis by 2030. Health care workers also receive the vaccine and the ministry provides it to those traveling to the countries and areas where the virus prevails. 
Hepatitis B and C examinations are also conducted for health workers and health practitioners who are in direct contact with patients. A hepatitis C test was also added for workers in barbershops, beauty salons and health clubs, in addition to hepatitis B screening.  

This comes as part of the strenuous efforts being made by the wise leadership to develop the legislation system to immunize society from diseases and update procedures for medical fitness examinations for residency.