Hepatitis B is a significant health issue in Vietnam, affecting one out of every 11 people. Despite this, the diagnosis and control of the disease are low, leading to an increased risk of liver cancer over time. However, treatment with medication can help stop the progression of the disease, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Health in Ho Chi Minh City, there are nearly 7.8 million Vietnamese people living with hepatitis B and nearly one million people living with hepatitis C. These infections are the leading cause of liver cancer in Vietnam, with over 23,000 deaths attributed to liver cancer each year. In recent years, the number of liver cancer cases has been on the rise, surpassing lung cancer as the leading cause of death in the country.
One reason for this increase is that many Vietnamese people are unaware that they have hepatitis. The disease often progresses silently without obvious symptoms, which leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This lack of awareness significantly impacts prognosis and survival rates for those infected with hepatitis B and C. To combat this issue, experts recommend implementing routine large-scale testing in communities and shifting to a public health model of early detection. This would improve treatment efficacy and reduce costs associated with late-stage treatments.
Vaccination against hepatitis B is also recommended by experts as it helps prevent infection from spreading within communities. Thorough treatment for those infected is also crucial to stop further damage to organs like livers.
Maintaining proper nutrition, food safety, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive outlook are also essential in preventing the progression of liver disease. By raising awareness about hepatitis B and C through education campaigns and screening programs and improving access to treatment options for those infected or at risk for developing these diseases can combat this growing threat effectively.
In conclusion, chronic hepatitis B is a significant health issue that needs urgent attention from both individuals and healthcare providers alike in Vietnam. By raising awareness about this condition through education campaigns and screening programs while providing access to effective treatments can help combat its effects on individuals’ lives while reducing its impact on society as a whole.
