Dubai, 17 May 2009: In the lead up to World Hepatitis Day on the 19th May, key health and community stakeholders have joined together to raise the profile of hepatitis B in the UAE and initiate a call to action for citizens to seek screening and learn how to protect themselves from the disease that affects 2-7% of the population of the Middle East.

Representatives from the Emirates Gastroenterology Society and Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club addressed members of the press regarding World Hepatitis Day and the global initiative to combat the disease; provided a medical perspective of hepatitis B in the UAE; and touched on the involvement of local stakeholders in the awareness campaign.

According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, organisers of World Hepatitis Day, some 500 million people around the world – or approximately one in 12 – are living with either hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Adnan Abuhammour, President of the Emirates Gastroenterology Society said: “Chronic viral hepatitis is a serious health problem in the UAE and has a history of under diagnosis. This, coupled with the stigma associated with transmission of the disease, means that many individuals are afraid to get tested for fear of a positive diagnosis. While there is no cure for hepatitis B, there are effective treatments that can manage the disease and allow patients to live a relatively normal life.”

Dr Adnan Abuhammour also added: “The key to overcoming this fear of a positive diagnosis will be realised though educating people about the treatments available and raising awareness. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver damage and potentially liver cancer which can be fatal. Because patients often do not demonstrate symptoms until later stages, early detection can help save lives.”

The Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club also leant its support to World Hepatitis Day activities and addressed the importance of its community involvement. Dr. Khalid Mohamed Abdullah, CEO of the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club stated: “We are committed to engaging with the community in projects that will really benefit the health and well being of our fans and the wider society. World Hepatitis Day provides a great platform from which we can encourage people to seek screening and learn how they can protect themselves and their family from contracting the disease.
In the year since the inaugural World Hepatitis Day on 19th May 2008, hundreds of global and local initiatives have been launched with the aim of targeting not only the estimated 500 million people around the world infected with chronic hepatitis B or C, but also those who may be potentially at risk. The goal of these initiatives is to help prevent the spread of the disease through awareness, testing and prevention. 

For further information on getting screened for hepatitis B and finding out if you are at risk, please consult the preventive medicine centres established throughout the UAE.