TIMELY VACCINATION, SAFE MEDICAL PRACTICES VITAL TO PREVENT HEPATITIS IN CHILDREN

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Timely vaccination of newborns, provision of clean drinking water and the use of safe medical equipment remain the strongest shields against the spread of hepatitis among children. These views were expressed by MS LGH Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain while addressing a seminar on “Pediatric Liver Care and Viral Hepatitis Prevention” organised by the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology.

Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain highlighted that protecting children from diseases, ensuring their healthy growth and providing them with quality medical facilities is not only a professional responsibility but also a moral obligation. He added that viral hepatitis is among the major diseases affecting children’s health and its timely prevention through vaccination, medical precautions and public awareness is of fundamental importance.

The seminar was attended by Prof. Muhammad Shahid, Prof. Dr. Hassan Suleman Malik of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Assistant Prof. Dr. Horia Rahman and healthcare professionals.

Prof. Muhammad Shahid stated that timely diagnosis of liver diseases in children, treatment on modern lines and effective preventive measures are the need of the hour. He stressed the need to create awareness among parents and society regarding viral hepatitis so that early detection and prevention of transmission become possible.

Prof. Dr. Hassan Suleman Malik and Dr. Horia Rahman said that precautionary measures against hepatitis in children must be made a permanent part of daily life and the medical system. Timely hepatitis B vaccination of newborns and infants is of primary importance for protection against the disease. Availability of clean water, adherence to hygiene principles and safe disposal of used syringes and medical instruments are also extremely necessary.

Talking to the media, MS Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain said that the use of unsafe syringes and medical equipment is among the major causes of hepatitis transmission. Strict implementation of infection control protocols in hospitals, safe use of medical instruments and raising public awareness about preventive measures can significantly reduce the spread of the disease.

He stressed that equal attention must be given to timely diagnosis and proper treatment of liver diseases in children as well as preventive measures.

Participants of the seminar expressed resolve to further strengthen pediatric liver care services, enhance academic and research linkages among medical experts and ensure quality medical facilities for children.

---