Hepatitis B – Centre for Family Health Initiative

Ending HIV Stigma: Community Support Beyond World AIDS Day

16DaysOfActivism, Climate change, Community Development, Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, Hygiene / cfhinitiative

Ending HIV stigma remains one of the most critical steps in achieving an effective HIV response globally. Even though scientific progress has transformed HIV from a life-threatening illness to a manageable condition, stigma continues to undermine prevention, testing, treatment, and quality of life. Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 people living with HIV report experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings, which discourages timely care-seeking and contributes to poor health outcomes ^(1). Community stigma also remains widespread; in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of HIV is highest, research found that over 35% of adults still hold discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV ^(2). These attitudes are deeply rooted in misinformation, fear, cultural norms, and moral judgments that continue to silence individuals and limit their ability to access support.

Stigma does not only affect individuals emotionally; it has direct medical consequences. Evidence shows that people who experience HIV-related stigma are three times more likely to delay or avoid HIV testing and up to 50% less likely to adhere to treatment due to fear of being discovered ^(3). This delay fuels the cycle of transmission and reduces the chances of achieving viral suppression. Yet, viral suppression keeping HIV levels undetectable is proven to eliminate the risk of sexual transmission entirely, a fact summarized in the principle U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) ^(4). Ending stigma, therefore, is not only a human rights issue but a powerful public health strategy.

Beyond World AIDS Day, communities must unite to promote supportive environments where people living with HIV feel safe to disclose, access services, and receive continuous care. Community-led awareness, inclusive language, youth-friendly education, and culturally sensitive advocacy have proven to reduce stigma by strengthening empathy and understanding ^(5). Empowering young people with evidence-based information also plays a vital role since adolescents remain vulnerable to societal misconceptions and pressure surrounding HIV.

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative, efforts to end HIV stigma go beyond commemoration events. CFHI continues to create safe spaces within communities through targeted HIV education, gender-sensitive communication, counselling support for adolescents and caregivers, and stigma-reduction sessions integrated into school and community health activities. Through the ASPIRE project and other community interventions, CFHI consistently promotes testing uptake, linkage to care, and treatment adherence especially among vulnerable populations. Last year in Imo State, CFHI carried out a community HIV awareness and testing outreach that reached dozens of individuals with prevention messages, counselling, and referrals, reinforcing the message that HIV is manageable and that stigma must never stand between anyone and access to care. As we move beyond World AIDS Day, CFHI encourages everyone to be intentional about kindness, to challenge myths, to stand against discrimination, and to help build communities where people living with HIV are treated with dignity. Ending stigma begins with each of us, and together we can create a society where support is stronger than silence

References

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Confronting Discrimination: Overcoming HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination in Health-care Settings. 2020. Available from: https://www.unaids.org
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). HIV and AIDS Statistical Update. 2023. Available from: https://www.unicef.org
Turan B, et al. The Impact of HIV-related Stigma on Treatment Adherence. AIDS Behav. 2017;21(1):283–291. Available from: https://link.springer.com
Prevention Access Campaign. The U=U Declaration. 2016. Available from: https://preventionaccess.org
World Health Organization (WHO). Global HIV Programme: Eliminating Stigma and Discrimination. 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int

Ending HIV Stigma: Community Support Beyond World AIDS Day Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON VIRAL HEPATITIS – VACCINE AND TREATMENT

#ViralHepatitis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis, a viral infection affecting the liver, poses significant global health challenges with various strains leading to potentially severe consequences. Vaccination has proven to be a critical tool in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A and B, while advancements in medical treatments offer hope for those afflicted with Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A
Vaccine:
The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and is recommended for children over one year of age, travelers to regions with high Hepatitis A rates, and individuals with chronic liver disease. The vaccine is administered in two doses six months apart.

Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A, as it typically resolves on its own. Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and maintaining a nutritious diet. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol and drugs that can further harm the liver.

Hepatitis B
Vaccine:
The Hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for preventing infection and is administered in a series of three or four shots over six months. It is recommended for all infants at birth, healthcare workers, and individuals at higher risk of exposure.

Treatment:
According to the CDC, there is currently no medication for acute hepatitis B. For mild symptoms, doctors recommend rest, proper nutrition, and adequate hydration. In cases of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary 1. Chronic Hepatitis B may require antiviral medications to reduce liver damage and the risk of liver cancer. Common antivirals include entecavir and tenofovir. Regular monitoring and liver function tests are essential for managing the condition.

Hepatitis C
Vaccine:
Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, making prevention through other means, such as safe injection practices and blood screening, vital.

Treatment:
Hepatitis C treatment has advanced significantly with the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). These medications can cure most cases of Hepatitis C, typically within 8 to 12 weeks. Common DAAs include sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and velpatasvir. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Vaccination remains a key preventive measure for Hepatitis A and B, while effective treatments are available for managing and curing Hepatitis B and C. Public health efforts focus on increasing vaccine coverage, improving access to treatments, and promoting safe practices to reduce the incidence of hepatitis infections globally.

REFERENCE:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/treatment/index.html

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON VIRAL HEPATITIS – VACCINE AND TREATMENT Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. Having chronic hepatitis B raises your risk of getting liver cancer, liver failure, or cirrhosis, which permanently scars the liver.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.5 million people are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection annually, which affects a total of 296 million individuals.

SYMPTOMS
Hepatitis B may occasionally go undetected without any obvious signs. This is common among children.
Acute hepatitis B symptoms can start to show about 1 to 4 months after contact with the virus. Some of these symptoms include:
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Clay-colored stool
• the aching in one’s joints

CAUSES:
According to MayoClinic, the causes of Hepatitis B include:
• Sexual contact: It is possible to contract hepatitis B if one engages in unprotected sexual activity with an infected individual. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions.
• Sharing of needles/Accidental needle sticks: HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts one at high risk of hepatitis B.
• Mother to child: Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. It is advisable to discuss with a healthcare provider the option of getting tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF HEPATITIS B Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 58 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Every year, 1.5 million new cases are reported. Around 3.2 million children and adolescents also have chronic hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C is mainly caused by the Hepatitis C Virus. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. It is crucial to understand that the transmission of HCV can only occur if infected blood enters a person’s system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following are the risk factors for contracting Hepatitis C;

Receiving organ transplants or transfusions prior to 1992, the year that blood screening became available
Exposure to a needle stick, which happens frequently to those who work in the healthcare industry
Being born to a hepatitis C-positive mother

People with hepatitis C may not even know they have it because they show no symptoms, especially during the acute stage. This makes spreading it to other people simpler. When symptoms arise, they include: include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral drugs, but no vaccine prevents it (WHO).

Early diagnosis and treatment can enhance long-term health and stop severe liver damage.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEPATITIS C Read More »

Viral Hepatitis – Overview

#ViralHepatitis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Monday Health Burst, PMTCT, Viral Hepatitis, WHO / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems which could result in fatality. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E and they all cause liver disease. However, they differ in significant ways such as modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods.

Viral hepatitis B and C leads to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach and in 2019, approximately 290 000 people died from hepatitis C.

Viral Hepatitis types are contacted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, unsafe contact with infected body fluids, receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, Mother-child transmission, sexual contact etc. Symptoms may be mild or severe at the onset of the infection.

Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination while there is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C. Hepatitis if not treated with caution at the early stage will progress to cirrhosis and other chronic conditions of the liver.

WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030.

#hepatitis #who #liverdiseases #livercirrhosis #mondayhealthburst #cfhi #unfpa #unicef

Viral Hepatitis – Overview Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST – VIRAL HEPATITIS IN NIGERIA

#ViralHepatitis, Health, Health Communication, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C / cfhinitiative

Viral hepatitis is one of the most communicable diseases in the world. It is spread through contaminated blood, intravenous drug abuse and sexual contact with an infected person. In highly endemic areas like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, hepatitis B is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission). In addition, infection can occur during medical, surgical and dental procedures, tattooing, or through the use of razors and similar objects that are contaminated with infected blood. Annually, viral hepatitis affects 400 million people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver diseases and killing about 1.5 million people (4,000 people daily), mostly from hepatitis B and C. Yet, it is entirely preventable.

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of liver cancer. According to Centre for Disease Control (CDC), viral hepatitis causes 80% of all liver cancer deaths. In Nigeria, liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for over 11,000 deaths yearly and 32 deaths every day. Liver cancer is less common among children and teenagers and more common with adults. The average age of occurrence in Nigeria is about 46 years compared to the developed world where the average age of occurrence is in the mid-60s. Also, liver cancer is more common in men with a male: female ratio of about 2 in 1 according to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Liver cancer is rare in children and teenagers.

Every year, July 28 is marked as World Hepatitis Day (WHD). It is a day dedicated to increase the global awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes. This is because research shows that with better awareness and application of its preventive measures, this life-threatening disease could be eliminated, and 4,000 lives could be saved daily.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) takes advantage of this special event annually to work towards eliminating viral hepatitis across different states in Nigeria. Aside awareness creation in communities by CFHI, other successful ways employed to curb this menace is to reach out to key populations in Abuja, Nasarawa and Imo states with sensitization programs, vaccination and referrals. These key populations include female sex workers, drug addicts, inmates in correctional centres, worship centres, and people living in hard-to-reach communities. CFHI also carries out street interviews to know the level of awareness of people towards hepatitis and has over the years reached out to over 1000 people.

During the sensitization campaigns, participants are shown different ways of preventing the transmission of viral hepatitis, which include avoiding sharing of needles and other items such as toothbrushes, razors or nail scissors, avoiding tattoos or body piercings from unlicensed facilities and screening of blood donation products, practicing safe sex by minimizing the number of partners and using barrier protective measures (condoms), reducing alcohol intake, obesity, and avoiding aflatoxin prone foods like tree nuts (almonds, cashews, and walnuts), peanut, rice, corn, dried fruits, cereals, among others.

During the street interviews by CFHI, about 40% of the respondents were unaware of what hepatitis really is, neither do they know the means of transmission and preventive measures; 30% agreed to have heard about hepatitis, but never cared much about it; 20% were either infected or affected by HBV or HCV; and 10% had proper knowledge of viral hepatitis and were vaccinated.

To significantly reduce the current hepatitis epidemic, screening and early diagnosis still remains a major tool in preventing transmission of viral hepatitis and other health problems that may result from viral hepatitis infection. There is need for massive awareness and widespread availability of these interventions. With CFHI already facilitating health education, screening as well as vaccination against hepatitis at the grassroots and among key populations, a larger number of persons in Nigeria will be reached with more support.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST – VIRAL HEPATITIS IN NIGERIA Read More »