Public Awareness on Hepatitis B

CEBU, Philippines - The Hepatology Society of the  Philippines (HSP), the leading  professional  society concerned with liver health and liver-related disease, has launched a  campaign to raise national awareness on Hepatitis B in order to promote better understanding of the disease that affects one in every seven Filipinos.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause serious diseases. Maricel de Quiroz-Castro from the World Health Organization Office in the Philippines shares that in the Philippines, it is estimated that Hepatitis B affects about 16.7 percent of adult Filipinos. Filipinos living with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) can develop chronic liver disease leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B accounts for more than two thirds of all Philippine cases of liver cancer - the second leading cancer killer in the country.

Be Tested. Be Vaccinated. Be Treated.

While a common transmission of the disease is through blood transfusion, in the Philippines the most common way of being infected is through the passing of the virus from mother to child. Many Filipinos have the mistaken belief that they can get Hepatitis B from eating improperly cooked food or by sharing utensils.

According to Dr. Nick Walsh of the World Health Organization, Office of the Western Pacific Region, "One of the key steps towards leading the country - and region - to lessen the cases of Filipinos with the disease is spreading awareness."

Many Filipinos are not even aware that they can be carriers of the disease. In quite a number of cases, the patients only learn that they are infected when they have been diagnosed with liver disease or liver cancer.

Dr. Eternity Labio, President of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines says that the "B Aware" campaign aims to inform and educate Filipinos about Hepatitis B "so they can gain sufficient knowledge regarding this very common infection, and take action." This, she adds, is the way to lower the cases of Hepatitis B in the country. 

People shall ask their doctor about having themselves tested, Dr. Labio stresses. Adults who test negative can receive vaccination so they may prevent themselves from getting the infection. At the same time, parents are shall have their infants vaccinated within 24 hours of birth. This vaccine is mandatory under Republic Act 10152 and is free for all infants. Vaccination at birth is the most effective way to prevent lifelong infection and liver cancer.

Adults who have tested positive are encouraged to take the necessary steps to prevent transmission of the infection, and to prevent liver complications and liver disease. They shall ask their doctor if they need treatment, as there are effective medications available for Hepatitis B. Availing of these treatments can prevent liver disease and liver cancer.

Be an Advocate.

The HSP, however, recognizes that being aware, tested and vaccinated are only the first steps in addressing the endemic infection affecting more than 7 million adult Filipinos.

Due to the lack of proper knowledge on this viral infection, discrimination against people with Hepatitis B still occurs, especially in the workplace. While the Department of Labor and Employment has issued a non-discrimination policy on Hepatitis B, there is still a lot that needs to be done to make everyone more sensitive.

Chris Munoz from the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, an advocacy group on Hepatitis B, echoes this sentiment. "For almost two years interacting with carriers and non-carriers of the HBV, I can say that a lot of Filipinos still don't know what Hepatitis B is. People I have encountered still ask how transmission of the virus occurs, how Hepatitis B could be managed, [whether] Hepatitis B is curable, and so much more."

Dr. Labio reiterates, "Making Filipinos aware of the symptoms, the vaccines and treatments available for Hepatitis B only gets the job half-done. Beyond the spread of information, more importantly, we want Filipinos to become advocates of our cause."

The HSP aims not only to change the negative perception of Filipinos towards people living with Hepatitis B, but to make Filipinos spread awareness to their friends and families.

The launch of the "B Aware" campaign has earned the support of the World Health Organization Office of the Western Pacific Region, World Health Organization Office in the Philippines, the Department of Health, and the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines. HSP invites everyone to join and "B-Aware," to attain a Hepatitis B-free Philippines.

More information on Hepatitis B and the "B Aware" campaign is available at: https://www.facebook.com/BeAwarePH.