Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology society’s (EGHS) campaign on Hepatitis C sees strong community support

The Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society (EGHS) succeeded in drawing the attention of UAE community through its ongoing nation-wide awareness campaign on Hepatitis C. The campaign, supported by UAE Ministry of Health (MoH), Alam Wa Amal and Patients Friends Committee, is being held under the theme ‘I am ready to be cured’.

EGHS said that in September month alone, the campaign attracted over 1000 visitors, who filled in the campaign questionnaire, some of whom got a laboratory referral.

The EGHS campaign is a continuation of its efforts to create awareness of Hepatitis C among the multi-cultural community in the country. EGHS managed to get wide support from Dubai and Sharjah communities. Many of those who filled the questionnaire weren’t aware that hepatitis C is a dangerous disease that could cause serious damage to health.

Symptoms of hepatitis C vary from a person to another. At a later stage, it may lead to cirrhosis of the liver. These symptoms are ascites, which is a fluid buildup inside the abdomen, bruises, tendency to bleeding, bone pain, varicose veins in the stomach and the esophagus and fat in the stool among others. Further symptoms could be inflammation of the thyroid gland and kidney inflammation.

“We are satisfied with the results of the ongoing campaign held in the last three months. Patients of Hepatitis C are often unaware of their infection, because they don’t see obvious symptoms. Also, their advanced stages symptoms are often mixed with symptoms of other diseases,” said Dr. Maryam Al Khatry, President, Emirates Gastroenterology Society, Emirates Medical Association.

“Hepatitis could disable liver functions. Infected patients usually discover the virus by accident. This refers to the importance of such campaigns in promoting awareness of the disease and the need for screening,” added Dr. Al Khatry.

Dr. Khatri urged the UAE society to take advantage of the campaign and do the Hepatitis C screening for free. She said that the campaign will have more stops across the UAE.

The official sponsor of the campaign is Gilead Sciences Inc, a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company's mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide. Gilead has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. 

The campaign’s next stop will be in Rashid Hospital on November 23, where visitors would need to submit a questionnaire, before being referred to laboratory screening, if needed.