In a historic milestone of global public health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while retaining its 2019 validation for eliminating HIV and syphilis transmission. With this achievement, the Maldives becomes the first nation worldwide to secure the 'triple elimination' status.&nbsp;WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, "Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases, and the suffering they bring, is possible. This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal."&nbsp;The WHO stated that Mother-to-child transmission is a major cause of lifelong infections that impact millions globally. Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, preliminary estimates for 2024 suggest that over 23,000 pregnant women were diagnosed with syphilis, and more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis. Additionally, around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their newborns, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the region.&nbsp;Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, Dr Catharina Boehme said, "Maldives’ achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage, to provide quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants. This landmark feat is an important step towards ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ for improving maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritising long-term well-being. I congratulate Maldives and look forward to the country pioneering progress in many other areas, while sustaining these gains.”<h3>How Maldives achieve maternal and child health?</h3>As per the WHO, the Maldives has built an integrated and comprehensive way to solve maternal and child health over the years. More than 95 per cent of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis.&nbsp;The country has also built a robust immunisation system, ensuring that over 95% of newborns consistently receive the hepatitis B birth dose on time, along with full vaccine coverage that shields them from lifelong infection. As a result of the effort, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a national survey conducted in 2023 further confirmed zero prevalence of hepatitis B among young children in the first grade, exceeding global elimination targets. These accomplishments are supported by the country’s universal health coverage, which provides free antenatal care, vaccinations, and diagnostic services to all residents, including migrants. The progress is reinforced by strong health policies and a substantial investment of over 10 per cent of the national GDP in the health sector, WHO said.&nbsp;"This historic validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our nation's steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children and future generations," said Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the island nation's health minister.&nbsp;"Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge by the government to our people that we will continue to invest in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, preliminary estimates for 2024 suggest that over 23,000 pregnant women were diagnosed with syphilis, and more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis. 

In a historic milestone of global public health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified the Maldives for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B, while retaining its 2019 validation for eliminating HIV and syphilis transmission. With this achievement, the Maldives becomes the first nation worldwide to secure the 'triple elimination' status. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, "Maldives has shown that with strong political will and sustained investment in maternal and child health, elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these deadly diseases, and the suffering they bring, is possible. This historic milestone provides hope and inspiration for countries everywhere working towards the same goal." The WHO stated that Mother-to-child transmission is a major cause of lifelong infections that impact millions globally. Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, preliminary estimates for 2024 suggest that over 23,000 pregnant women were diagnosed with syphilis, and more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis. Additionally, around 25,000 HIV-positive pregnant women required treatment to prevent transmission to their newborns, while hepatitis B continues to affect over 42 million people in the region. Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, Dr Catharina Boehme said, "Maldives’ achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment towards universal health coverage, to provide quality and equitable care across its dispersed islands to all, including migrants. This landmark feat is an important step towards ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ for improving maternal and newborn health by ending preventable deaths and prioritising long-term well-being. I congratulate Maldives and look forward to the country pioneering progress in many other areas, while sustaining these gains.” How Maldives achieve maternal and child health? As per the WHO, the Maldives has built an integrated and comprehensive way to solve maternal and child health over the years. More than 95 per cent of pregnant women receive antenatal care, with nearly universal testing for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis. The country has also built a robust immunisation system, ensuring that over 95% of newborns consistently receive the hepatitis B birth dose on time, along with full vaccine coverage that shields them from lifelong infection. As a result of the effort, no babies were born with HIV or syphilis in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, a national survey conducted in 2023 further confirmed zero prevalence of hepatitis B among young children in the first grade, exceeding global elimination targets. These accomplishments are supported by the country’s universal health coverage, which provides free antenatal care, vaccinations, and diagnostic services to all residents, including migrants. The progress is reinforced by strong health policies and a substantial investment of over 10 per cent of the national GDP in the health sector, WHO said. "This historic validation is a moment of immense pride for the Maldives and a reflection of our nation's steadfast commitment to protecting mothers, children and future generations," said Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the island nation's health minister. "Achieving triple elimination is not only a milestone for our health sector, but also a pledge by the government to our people that we will continue to invest in resilient, equitable and high-quality health services that leave no one behind," he added.

Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, preliminary estimates for 2024 suggest that over 23,000 pregnant women were diagnosed with syphilis, and more than 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis.&nbsp;

THIS nation become the 1st to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis

Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh&nbsp;shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis.&nbsp;

Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease.

<h2>Common risk factors and prevention&nbsp;</h2>

Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water.&nbsp;

To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions:

Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection.

Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption.

Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles.

Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission.

<h2>Varying degrees of severity</h2>

Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;

Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds.&nbsp;

Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients.

Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively.&nbsp;

"Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Treatment options</h2>

For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources.

In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated.&nbsp;

The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being.

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Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis.

Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis. Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease. Common risk factors and prevention Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water. To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions: Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection. Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles. Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission. Varying degrees of severity Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said. Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds. Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients. Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively. "Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said. Treatment options For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources. In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated. The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Liver specialist shares risk factors, severity, and preventive measures

Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children.

According to the study AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2), which cannot replicate itself without another "helper" virus being present, played a significant role and was present in 96 percent of all patients examined.

Offering the best explanation for the severe liver disease, scientists concluded that co-infection with either AAV2 and an adenovirus, or sometimes the herpes virus HHV6.

Emma Thomson, an infectious disease professor at the University of Glasgow and the study's lead author said that "The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children".

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It is still unclear whether AAV2 was a biomarker for underlying adenovirus infection that is harder to detect but was the main pathogen or was causing the disease.

Finding that AAV2 was mostly present in those who got the illness, the study looked both at patients who acquired hepatitis and those that did not.

Honing in on differences in their Human Leukocyte Antigen that might explain why some are more susceptible than others, the study further tested genes of children who had become sick and those that did not.

Ruling out recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause, scientists said no coronavirus was found in the livers of the patients.

Highlighting that lockdowns could have contributed to the spike of cases by lowering immunity in children, researchers said more work was needed to understand why some children develop severe diseases and require transplantation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children.

Finding the serious liver condition was linked to co-infection of two common viruses, British researchers reported a breakthrough Monday in mysterious hepatitis cases affecting young children. According to the study AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2), which cannot replicate itself without another "helper" virus being present, played a significant role and was present in 96 percent of all patients examined. Offering the best explanation for the severe liver disease, scientists concluded that co-infection with either AAV2 and an adenovirus, or sometimes the herpes virus HHV6. Emma Thomson, an infectious disease professor at the University of Glasgow and the study's lead author said that "The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children". × It is still unclear whether AAV2 was a biomarker for underlying adenovirus infection that is harder to detect but was the main pathogen or was causing the disease. Finding that AAV2 was mostly present in those who got the illness, the study looked both at patients who acquired hepatitis and those that did not. Honing in on differences in their Human Leukocyte Antigen that might explain why some are more susceptible than others, the study further tested genes of children who had become sick and those that did not. Ruling out recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause, scientists said no coronavirus was found in the livers of the patients. Highlighting that lockdowns could have contributed to the spike of cases by lowering immunity in children, researchers said more work was needed to understand why some children develop severe diseases and require transplantation. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Study links mysterious hepatitis to co-infection of two common viruses

Indonesia today began re-inoculating children who received fake vaccines in a major drug counterfeiting scandal that has sparked protests from concerned parents. 
 
President Joko Widodo attended a health clinic in Jakarta at which 36 children were given fresh booster vaccines, vowing the process would continue until all youngsters affected had received new shots. 
 
The health ministry said the first stage of re-inoculation would take place at four hospitals and clinics on the main island of Java where children had been identified as having received fake vaccines. 
 
Police last month smashed a criminal syndicate accused of selling fake vaccines for more than a decade to health clinics across Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 255 million people. 
 
Twenty-three people, including midwives and doctors, have been arrested for alleged involvement in the scheme and vaccines have been confiscated from dozens of health centres across the country. 
 
One of the midwives at the clinic visited by Widodo on Monday is suspected of involvement in the scam, the president said. 
 
The scandal sparked panic and anger among Indonesian families, who last week rallied outside hospitals demanding answers about their children&#39;s health. 
 
Widodo urged concerned parents to remain calm and give authorities time as they assess the scale of the problem, suggesting reforms could be needed in future to protect the community. 
 
&quot;This gives us all momentum to improve governance around the pharmaceutical industry regarding the manufacture and distribution of medicines, including vaccines,&quot; Widodo told reporters. 
 
&quot;Our goal is for the entire community to receive good health care.&quot; 
 
The syndicate, which police said operated for more than a decade, manufactured and distributed fake boosters for diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus. 
 
The scandal was brought to light after a major pharmaceutical company alerted Indonesian authorities that some of its products had been counterfeited. 
 
(AFP)

The first stage would take place at four Java hospitals and clinics, where children had received fake vaccines

Indonesia today began re-inoculating children who received fake vaccines in a major drug counterfeiting scandal that has sparked protests from concerned parents. President Joko Widodo attended a health clinic in Jakarta at which 36 children were given fresh booster vaccines, vowing the process would continue until all youngsters affected had received new shots. The health ministry said the first stage of re-inoculation would take place at four hospitals and clinics on the main island of Java where children had been identified as having received fake vaccines. Police last month smashed a criminal syndicate accused of selling fake vaccines for more than a decade to health clinics across Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 255 million people. Twenty-three people, including midwives and doctors, have been arrested for alleged involvement in the scheme and vaccines have been confiscated from dozens of health centres across the country. One of the midwives at the clinic visited by Widodo on Monday is suspected of involvement in the scam, the president said. The scandal sparked panic and anger among Indonesian families, who last week rallied outside hospitals demanding answers about their children's health. Widodo urged concerned parents to remain calm and give authorities time as they assess the scale of the problem, suggesting reforms could be needed in future to protect the community. "This gives us all momentum to improve governance around the pharmaceutical industry regarding the manufacture and distribution of medicines, including vaccines," Widodo told reporters. "Our goal is for the entire community to receive good health care." The syndicate, which police said operated for more than a decade, manufactured and distributed fake boosters for diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and tetanus. The scandal was brought to light after a major pharmaceutical company alerted Indonesian authorities that some of its products had been counterfeited. (AFP)

Indonesia re-vaccinates children amid fake drug scandal

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THIS nation become the 1st to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Liver specialist shares risk factors, severity, and preventive measures

Study links mysterious hepatitis to co-infection of two common viruses

Indonesia re-vaccinates children amid fake drug scandal