Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim has called on all authorities to work together to eliminate Hepatitis. The Health Minister made the call at the high level meeting held by Ministry of health and Public Health Agency at Hotel Jen to mark the World Hepatitis Day.
At the High level meeting held to mark the world Hepatitis Day, the Health Minister Abdulla Nazim focused on the importance of all the authorities prioritizing the works done to eliminate measles. The Health Minister said a lot of work was done to eradicate the disease completely, but highlighted the cooperation is needed from all relevant authorities to reach the achievement.
Health Minister Nazim stated that important work are being carried out by the government in the efforts to eliminate communicable diseases. The minister expressed that Maldives have made regional achievements in terms of controlling communicable diseases.
Speaking at the ceremony as the Chief Guest of the function, Home Minister Azleen Ahmed said that government prioritizes the advancement of the health sector and added that Maldives aims to eradicate communicable diseases.
Since 1993, people are being vaccinated for hepatitis in Maldives. Since then, vaccination rate of Maldives is above 98 percent.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
An estimated 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis B is an important occupational hazard for health workers. However, it can be prevented by currently available safe and effective vaccine.