Koulp©logo/yargatenga: The municipal office of the Circle of Islamic Studies, Research and Training (CERFI) of Yargatenga organized a day of awareness on viral hepatitis in Cinkans© on Sunday. Held under the theme "Viral Hepatitis: Understanding, Preventing and Curing in the Light of Modern Medicine and Islam", the conference took place in the conference room of the Gambaga Hotel.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the speaker, Ousmane Ou©draogo, highlighted the prominence of hepatitis as a major public health issue, stating that it is one of the most discussed diseases today. He explained that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and emphasized its global impact. Based on data from the World Health Organization, he projected that by 2025, around 257 million people would be living with viral hepatitis, with 1 to 2 million deaths mainly attributed to hepatitis B and C, which are particularly prevalent in Burkina Faso.
Ou©draogo focused his discussion on hepatitis B and C, explaining their transmission through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child. He noted that while bodily fluids such as urine, tears, and breast milk contain small amounts of the virus, they do not significantly contribute to transmission.
He described the clinical progression of the disease in two phases: the pre-icteric phase, which includes symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, digestive issues, nausea, and vomiting, and the icteric phase, marked by jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and liver enlargement.
For prevention, Ou©draogo stressed the importance of hepatitis B vaccination from birth, using condoms, and following hygiene practices, noting that vaccination is also available for pregnant women. He discussed the treatment options, stating that acute hepatitis can be cured in about 90% of cases, though chronic cases are challenging to treat. For hepatitis C, he mentioned that direct-acting antiviral treatments can achieve a cure in nearly 95% of cases within 8 to 12 weeks, despite the absence of a vaccine.
Ou©draogo advised adopting healthy eating habits, avoiding alcohol, excessively fatty or salty foods, and improperly stored food, while promoting the consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and poultry for a balanced diet and proper hydration.
Following the presentation, participants engaged in a Q and A session, receiving satisfactory responses to their inquiries. Imam Boukar© Zampaligr© provided a religious perspective, urging the integration of faith with modern medicine and dismissing the idea that science and religion are incompatible. He emphasized that medical knowledge is a divine gift meant to serve humanity.
The event concluded on a positive note, with attendees feeling better informed about viral hepatitis. The ceremony wrapped up with a closing prayer by El Hadj Moussa Goumbri.