Poor awareness blamed for high hepatitis infection

YOGYAKARTA: Poor awareness and information are blamed as responsible for a high hepatitis prevalence in the country, with about 30 million people living with hepatitis B and C, Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih said Wednesday.

She said the immunization would work effectively to stop the disease’s transmission.

“Of 30 million people, 15 million may likely develop chronic liver diseases,” Endang said at the celebration of the World’s Hepatitis Day at Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta.

“But there is not enough data and information on the need for immunization, meaning low awareness on the danger of hepatitis.” — JP