The National Hospital Guido Valadares (NHGV) in Dili established a special clinic for the treatment of patients suffering from hepatitis.
The Director of the NHGV’s Clinic, Dr. Joao Pedro said it is very important for hepatitis patients to do get treatment and to access information about the modes of hepatitis transmission because according to available data, Timor-Leste is a country with high levels of Hepatitis B.
“Hepatitis treatment has been done since 2009 but we cannot ensure its extension because we are dependent on Cuban doctors so we have established the service group to treat hepatitis patients,” said Dr. Pedro during the recent celebrations of International Hepatitis Day held in Timor-Leste.
He added the service includes not just the treatment of hepatitis but will also provide information to the community about how the disease is transmitted and way to prevent it.
Meanwhile the communicable diseases specialist Dr. Danina Coelho said patients get access treatment at the hospital now because they have adequate human resources and facilities.
“Once Cuban Doctor and I as well as other doctor will provide the treatment to those already living with hepatitis,” said Dr. Coelho.
She added the Hepatitis B virus cannot be cured but can be controlled so that it does not develop health complications such as cancers and tumors that are caused by the hepatitis virus.
Meanwhile the Director General of the Ministry of Health Jose Magno said the ministry has developed a national policy and a national strategic plan on hepatitis.
“Nowadays, our health system has established a special policy on hepatitis prevention, control, and treatment,” he said.
He added, Ministry will work hard to establish more hepatitis treatment units in referral hospitals in order to respond to the needs of communities and to raise awareness in rural communities.
Meanwhile Specialist Dr. Danina Coelho explained hepatitis is a dangerous liver disease and there are various types of Hepatitis, A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis causes the infection and inflammation of the liver and can cause death.
Dr. Coelho added that Hepatitis A and E are spread via contaminated water so she urges the community to always drink clean water and eat well cooked food, to wash the hands with soap before eating and before and after using the toilet.
Hepatitis B and C are mainly transmitted through infected blood via needles or through unsafe sexual relations.
“People should get their Hepatitis B shots and use condoms when having sexual relations, especially at risk groups. People should also not share toothbrushes and razors or needles. People should also be checked for Hepatitis B and C,” said Dr. Coelho.
