Hepatology Society, Roche observe World Hepatitis Day

MANILA, Philippines - Last July 11, the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) and pharmaceutical company Roche joined in celebrating the World Hepatitis Day as a global response to viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B and C represent one of the major threats to global health with high prevalence rates in the Philippines.

A Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) study sponsored by the Hepatology Society of the Philippines and the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology showed that in the Philippines there is a hepatitis B carrier rate of 16 percent among adult population of which two in 15 Filipinos are infected. 

Hepatitis B and C are both “silent” viruses, and because many people feel no symptoms, they could be infected for years without knowing it.

If left untreated, both the hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis). If one has liver cirrhosis, there is a risk of life-threatening complications such as bleeding, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), coma, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

In the case of chronic hepatitis B, liver cancer might even appear before one has developed cirrhosis. It is estimated that more than 14 million Filipinos are chronically infected with hepatitis B, of whom between 1.1 and 1.9 million are expected to die prematurely of cirrhosis or liver cancer. 

The Hepatology Society of the Philippines has recognized this growing rate of hepatitis in the country and aims to provide comprehensive information to the public and medical community as well as lobbying for the rights of hepatitis patients.

Along with the World Hepatitis Alliance, the HSP observes the World Hepatitis Day, an annual event that provides international and national focus for patient groups and people living with hepatitis B and C.

“Hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cancer,” said Dr. Diana Alcantara-Payawal, president of HSP and executive council member of Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL).

“In Asia, liver cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer while in the Philippines, liver cancer ranks as the second most common cancer with hepatitis B as the most common cause,” she said.

Public awareness is an important step in making sure hepatitis is managed correctly.

“The HSP has prioritized initiatives for viral hepatitis awareness. We worked closely with the Department of Labor and Employment for the Issues and Guidelines in the Workplace policy with executive director Dr. Ma. Teresita Cucueco to ensure no discrimination against those infected with hepatitis which has been achieved with partnership of last year’s president, Dr. Marilyn Arguillas,” Payawal said.

“In the coming months, the HSP will be working with Rotary Clubs as a conduit for vaccination programs, seeking to add hepatitis and liver diseases as part of the reimbursements for PhilHealth, partnering with Red Cross for doctor education on hepatitis B and C, and a hepatitis and liver convention in January 2013. Furthermore, we will host the Asia Pacific Study of the Liver on Liver Cancer in the last quarter of next year,” she added.

With its hepatitis information initiatives, the HSP, in cooperation with APASL, has prepared several activities to celebrate World Hepatitis Day on July 28.

“We are very excited to celebrate World Hepatitis Day,” said Dr. Jane Ricaforte-Campos, chairperson of the World Hepatitis Day observance.

“Our goal is to inform everyone that they should be tested because hepatitis can be asymptomatic. People need to know if they are infected. Additionally, we strive to educate everyone that those with the disease should not be stigmatized or discriminated against,” she added.

To mark World Hepatitis Day 2012, the HSP has scheduled whole-day activities at the Medical Center Manila (MCM). Starting at 8 a.m., there will be free hepatitis screenings and a free clinic for patients with liver diseases.

At 1 p.m., 1,000 balloons for a cause will be released at the lobby entrance of MCM to commemorate the event and to show to the whole community that the HSP is one with the world in marking World Hepatitis Day.

The rest of the afternoon will be for education dissemination through interactive forums on various diseases affecting the liver like hepatitis B and C, alcohol liver disease, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

“Activities in Manila will also be done in tandem with activities in Davao and Cebu spreading awareness further than the shores of Luzon. The ultimate goal is awareness on the disease and information on treatment options for those infected,” said Campos.  

To make treatment more attainable to more people, Roche has launched the PEGGASIST Easy Access Plan for hepatitis B and C. It is a socialized pricing program that allows hepatitis B and C patients to have access to Peg-interferon alfa-2a with discounts of up to 50 percent to eligible patients.

For patients who are interested in availing themselves of the discounts, they can discuss this with their gastroenterologist/hepatologist who will then refer them to the Hepatitis hotline (718-7620) who will guide them with the simple steps of the program.

They can also visit http://hepatitiscare.com.ph to learn more about hepatitis and the PEGGASIST Easy Access Plan.

In addition to these discounts, hepatitis B and C patients will also be provided with free selected hepatitis B and C laboratory tests that would have otherwise been very expensive.

Tests such as HBV DNA testing and S-quantification are samples of laboratory tests that patients can have access to through the program.