Guyana records 500 hepatitis cases in past few years – Health Minister

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Hepatitis Day 2024, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony revealed that some 500 hepatitis cases were recorded in Guyana over the past few years.
The cases were identified through various blood screening programmes.
He added that those who tested positive for Hepatitis C are receiving treatment at the National Hepatitis C Clinic while those who have completed treatment now have undetected viral loads for Hepatitis C and have been discharged from the clinic.
A release issued by the Health Ministry stated that Guyana remained committed to achieving the objectives of the World Health Organisation/Pan American Health Organisation (WHO/PAHO) Global Hepatitis Strategy, which aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90 per cent and deaths by 65 per cent by 2030.
This year, World Hepatitis Day is observed under the theme, “Time to Act”, which serves as an urgent call to action.

Hepatitis is a disease characterised by liver inflammation that can occur in acute or chronic forms. It is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents and leads to a range of serious health problems, some of which can be fatal. There are five primary hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Each virus has distinct modes of transmission, including faecal-oral transmission, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, sexual transmission, and the use of infected needles.
Hepatitis B and C are major concerns because they cause chronic diseases in millions of people worldwide and are leading causes of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths. An estimated 354 million people globally are living with Hepatitis B or C. There is limited data on prevalence in the Caribbean.
Acute Hepatitis often presents with abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, fever, dark urine and pale stool. Chronic hepatitis usually presents with fatigue, weight loss, nausea, myalgia or arthralgia and signs of liver decompensation such as jaundice, enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), ascites, peripheral oedema and encephalopathy. Persons who display these signs and symptoms are urged to visit the nearest health centre where the doctors can evaluate their condition and, if necessary, offer treatment.
Meanwhile, as part of the Government of Guyana’s effort and commitment to combat hepatitis, the Health Ministry last year launched the National Hepatitis Clinic at the National Care and Treatment Centre, in Georgetown.
The clinic operates on Wednesdays and offers specialised care and treatment for individuals living with hepatitis. This facility provides a crucial platform for early detection, treatment, and support for patients, helping to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of hepatitis on the nation.
Mid-last year, the Health Ministry, with support from PAHO launched its first National Hepatitis B & C Testing and Treatment Guidelines, a guiding tool that governs the management and treatment protocol of hepatitis.
This successful initiative demonstrates Guyana’s dedication to leaving no one behind in the fight against hepatitis.