Amman, July 29 -- Jordan is intensifying its efforts to combat hepatitis through a national strategy combining vaccination, treatment, and public awareness, targeting a disease that claims over 1.3 million lives annually worldwide.

Consultant of gastroenterology and liver diseases at the Ministry of Health, Majed Nseir, highlighted significant national progress, particularly in treating hepatitis B. He noted that modern medications are available to all patients, and the hepatitis B vaccine has been included in Jordan’s national immunization program since the 1990s, leading to a noticeable decline in infections.

Coinciding with World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28, Nseir confirmed that hepatitis C treatment is also available through the Ministry of Health and the Royal Medical Services, with very high cure rates.

He emphasized the continued importance of prevention, particularly for hepatitis B and C, which are transmitted through blood. Nseir urged the use of personal hygiene tools in barbering and dentistry, as well as enhanced efforts to combat drug use and educate about the dangers of needle sharing.

Liver and digestive diseases consultant, Ahmad Ouda, stressed the need to correct misconceptions about hepatitis. He explained that it is not an epidemic in the traditional sense and can be prevented and eliminated through vaccination and public health education.

He also warned that high-risk groups include drug users, frequent blood transfusion recipients, medical staff, sanitation workers, and newborns of infected mothers.

Basel Abu Hdeib from the Ministry’s Epidemiology Department stated that there are five main types of hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E), each differing in transmission and severity. He confirmed that the Ministry of Health follows an integrated approach that includes vaccination, awareness campaigns, early detection, and monitoring of infections. Hepatitis B and A vaccines were added to the national immunization schedule in 1995 and 2020, respectively.

Abu Hdeib noted that most chronic hepatitis cases show no symptoms in early stages, making early testing essential. Health authorities recommend at least one hepatitis C screening for individuals aged 18 to 79.

He explained that hepatitis C now has modern antiviral treatments with cure rates exceeding 95% within weeks. Chronic hepatitis B is managed with medications that reduce the viral load and prevent liver damage. Hepatitis D is treated through hepatitis B management, while types A and E typically resolve without specialized treatment.

World Hepatitis Day is marked each year on July 28, commemorating the birth of Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus.

//Petra// AO

29/07/2025 15:20:55