1. Departmental Perspectives on Viral Hepatitis
Frew Benson
World Hepatitis Day Commemoration

2. Introduction Importance of Viral hepatitis
Caused by several types of viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E).
Hepatitis A, B and C ― the most common type
Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses frequently progress to chronic hepatitis
240 million people worldwide chronically infected with hepatitis B
around 150 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C.
Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and sometimes death.
1.4 million deaths annually due to hepatitis
Viral hepatitis in South Africa
Several possible risk factors exist in the country, which could result in transmission of viral hepatitis
Hepatitis A and B are highly endemic in South Africa
There is limited data on hepatitis C, D and E (sporadic cases due to hepatitis E have been reported as a result of travel to high-risk areas outside South Africa).

3. Relation with Departmental Vision
A long and healthy life for all South Africans
Aim of the Programme
Decrease morbidity and mortality due to Hepatitis

4. Role of NDoH Primary prevention through vaccination
Policy and guideline formulation and facilitate process of implementation
Monitor and Evaluate and provide reports according to set norms and standards
Assist in resource mobilisation for policy implementation
Establish early warning systems and improve surveillance and reporting
Ensure legal compliance and epidemic preparedness and response
Strengthen cross border and regional collaboration
Strengthen communication, advocacy, social mobilisation and partnerships
Training and capacity building at provincial level

5. Highlights Hepatitis B vaccination part of EPI programme since 1995
World Hepatitis Day adopted by WHO
Resolution WHA63.18 in 2010
Calling for a comprehensive approach to the prevention and control of viral hepatitis.
Policy and guidelines drafted 2011

6. World Hepatitis Day
28 July chosen for World Hepatitis Day - birthday of Baruch Samuel Blumberg who discovered hepatitis B
Provides an opportunity to focus on specific actions, such as:
strengthening prevention, screening and control of viral hepatitis and its related diseases;
increasing hepatitis B vaccine coverage;
coordinating a global response to viral hepatitis.
Theme this year:
"This is hepatitis. Know it. Confront it." 

7. Challenges Weak Surveillance systems Health Promotion weak
Late detection and reporting of outbreaks
Lack of reliable data to inform policy and actions
Health Promotion weak
Lack of community awareness
Competing priorities
Lack of continuous training of health care workers
Adherence to adequate infection control measures in health care facilities and institutions

8. Way forward Adoption of policy and guidelines
Protection of those at risk of infection eg health care workers, people with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs
Strategies need to be implemented against risk factors for viral hepatitis
Focus on water and sanitation, and health promotion on basic hygiene for hepatitis A and E.
Focus on increasing public awareness and improving infection control practices for hepatitis B and C.

9. Conclusion
Programme against Hepatitis presently not as strong as it should be – all opportunities need to be used to strengthen it , including World Hepatitis Day.
We need to do much more to increase community awareness of the disease
Thanks to the organisers of the event
“Together we can do more” President Zuma