Against the backdrop of World Hepatitis day today, the City of Cape Town’s Health Department is ramping-up efforts to raise awareness of hepatitis, particularly its prevention and early detection, and safe hygiene habits.
Over the past two years City Health completed more than 900 community projects, ranging from hand-washing campaigns to food-safety demonstrations, to help dismantle the barriers that fuel the spread of hepatitis and the stigma surrounding it.
This year’s theme, “Let’s break it down,” calls on all sectors of society to take urgent action in the fight to eliminate the disease.
“Hepatitis is a leading cause of liver cancer, and the numbers are climbing,” said Francine Higham, Mayco member for Community Services and Health.
“The disease is both preventable and treatable, yet many people don’t even know they’re infected. Our goal is to drive home the importance of regular testing, vaccination and good hygiene. Simple practices such as hand-washing can go a long way in protecting your health.”
Hepatitis: A hidden threat
According to the department around 6,7% of South Africans are infected with hepatitis B, yet many remain unaware of their status. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through close contact with blood or bodily fluids, such as unprotected sex, sharing needles during drug use and mother-to-child transmission during birth or breastfeeding.
In contrast, hepatitis A spreads via contaminated food, water and poor hand hygiene.
Symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, stomach pain, fever, and nausea, but some people show no signs at all until the liver is already damaged.
What you can do:
Prevent hepatitis A by washing your hands after using the toilet and rinsing fresh produce with clean water.
Prevent hepatitis B and C by using condoms and never sharing needles.
If you use intravenous drugs, visit one of the City’s eight Matrix® clinics for support, sites are located in Tafelsig, Albow Gardens, Delft South, Eerste River, Town 2 (Khayelitsha), Parkwood, Scottsdene and Ruimte Road (Manenberg).
Vaccinate your children, routine hepatitis B vaccinations are free at all City Health facilities.
“Routine vaccination has significantly reduced the threat of hepatitis B,” Higham said. “We’ve also made strides in treating hepatitis C. Anyone with concerns should reach out to their nearest clinic for confidential testing and support.”
Cape Town residents are encouraged to make use of free health services at clinics across the city. For more information visit your nearest facility or contact City Health.
