Under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Emirates Gastroenterology Society in partnership with Roche, commended the achievements made by Charities and NGOs working in UAE to support Hepatitis C patients, through a Charity Thanking Day held today. The event was attended by more than 100 representatives from 20 leading charities including Red Crescent, Zakat Fund, Dar Al Ber Society, Sharjah Charity International, Sharjah Media Corporation and Al Ehsan Charity Society.

“Around 350,000 to 500,000 patients die each year from Hepatitis C related liver diseases.1 This can be attributed to low disease awareness which deters detection and transfer of the infection, inaccessibility to proper treatment and financial disadvantage of patients. In the UAE, Charities and NGOs play a major role in the management of these issues and helping patients in need. Organized for the third consecutive year, Charity Thanking Day is our continuous effort to applaud the great work being done by these institutions,” said Dr. Mariam Al Khatery, President of Emirates Gastroenterology Society.

The event saw the revelation of a documentary highlighting the efforts being undertaken by several of these charities in the field of Hepatitis C awareness and improving patient’s access to treatment. Hepatitis C virus is a silent killer and 80% of the patients can live without significant symptoms for years. Also for patients who are financially challenged and may not have health insurance, treatment costs can deter them, creating a high risk situation of infecting others around them with the virus. These charities undertake various measures to increase public awareness around the disease and facilitating treatment for patients in need.

The charitieswere individually acknowledged through distribution of commemorative trophies to the charity leaders. The event saw enthusiastic participation from more than 100 charity representatives, applauding each other’s terrific contribution towards control of Hepatitis C in UAE.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis infection, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious lifelong disease. The infection usually doesn’t produce any signs or symptoms until at a late stage and they can range from fever, fatigue, nausea, muscle and joint pain, jaundice etc. Late stage complications can include scarring of the liver tissue, liver cancer and liver failure. The virus is detected through a blood test and extent of liver damage is determined through testing samples of liver tissue.

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