I.T.S Dental College, Hospital & Research Centre Greater Noida Organizing a “Hepatitis- B Vaccination Camp” .

1 August 2014 was observed as World Hepatitis Day by I.T.S Dental College, Greater Noida to raise awareness about Hepatitis and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. World hepatitis day is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge about hepatitis and dismissing misconceptions about the disease. This year’s World Hepatitis Day 2014 theme is “Hepatitis: Think Again”

In this regard, a seminar followed by a vaccination camp was organised by the I.T.S Dental College, Greater Noida to raise awareness about Hepatitis.  In this camp nearly 155 candidate comprising of faculty, PG students and under graduate students were vaccinated against this disease.

The session started with the remarks of Director- PG Studies Dr. Amnol S. Kalha & Principal Dr. Puneet Ahuja, They said that such camps shall be organized in future also, which will help in spread of  awareness about hepatitis and its prevention through vaccination against the hepatitis –B.

Dr. Achint Grag ,Prof. & HOD Oral Medicine & Radiology, talked about the role of prevention in Hepatitis control. Through a power point presentation he explained how the virus spreads in human beings and the precautions to be taken. He said Indians have natural immunity to Hepatitis B and the virus is naturally eliminated within six months. But in 15 per cent of people it stays and attacks the liver. With good hygiene practice one can control the virus from spreading.

He highlighted that the number of deaths from HIV/AIDS has reduced, comparatively deaths from viral hepatitis has increased by 50% between 1990 and 2010 and now it kills 1.5 million people every year. Viral hepatitis in contrast has been almost completely ignored and has spiralled into a global epidemic. We need lot of commitment to tackle this deadly menace. He added that although effective evidence-based prevention measures do exist, many countries like India are still lagging behind in their implementation, resulting in an estimated 3-4 million new infections every year. He said further that not all labs test donated blood for hepatitis and not all those that do use reliable tests. There is wide spread reuse and improper sterilisation of syringes and other equipments. Since the dentists deal with saliva and blood very often they can themselves get afflicted and become a carrier of the infection.

After this small presentation vaccination camp started, which was attended by approximately 155 candidates including faculty, PG students and Interns. In this camp many of the people were immunized first time for hepatitis –B. For subsequent vaccination ITS Dental College would be conducting many more such camps.