Strong Surveillance a Contributing Factor to the Continued Reduction in Viral Hepatitis Cases Diagnosed each Year in Qatar

Doha: Education, increased public awareness, and surveillance are all being noted as factors contributing to the continued reduction in the number of viral hepatitis cases diagnosed in Qatar each year. Between 2010 and 2016 over 4,400 cases of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) were diagnosed in Qatar, with 228 of those cases identified in 2015 and 163 in 2016, demonstrating a continued year-on-year decrease.

Reducing the spread of viral hepatitis has continued to be a priority for Qatar, with significant investment being made toward both diagnosing and treating those infected. All pregnant women, blood donors, and those working in high-risk professions, such as healthcare, food service, and personal care industries, including barber shops and beauty salons, are tested for the virus annually. Additionally, every newcomer to the country is screened for a number of infectious diseases, including hepatitis, to identify those infected, provide them with care, and prevent the spread of the disease. All babies born in Qatar are also vaccinated at birth against hepatitis.

Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Communicable Disease Center (CDC), says: “Qatar has remained proactive in its efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among the population. We have set up a national disease surveillance system for the early detection of infectious diseases. We have also fortified our healthcare structure by implementing high-quality infection control measures and ensuring that healthcare workers and others employed in what are considered to be high-risk professions are annually screened for viral hepatitis.”

Dr. Al Maslamani, who is also the Senior Consultant for HMC’s Infectious Diseases Division, says the CDC is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), leprosy, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), influenza, measles, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). She says the continued decrease in the number of viral hepatitis cases diagnosed in Qatar each year is a direct result of the country’s strong surveillance system and the implementation of a national immunization plan for newborns.

“The screening of all newcomers to Qatar at the Medical Commission and the vaccination of babies at birth are the main reasons for the marked decline in the prevalence of hepatitis in Qatar,” said Dr. Al Maslamani.

She added that all individuals in Qatar who are diagnosed with viral hepatitis are provided with adequate medical care, without discrimination. Treatment for viral hepatitis is normally supportive, meaning care given to prevent, control, or relieve complications and side effects and to improve the patient's comfort and quality of life.

Describing viral hepatitis, its causes, and symptoms, Dr. Moutaz Derbala, HMC Senior Consultant Gastroenterology, explains that viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection.

“Viral hepatitis is caused by five main viruses, referred to as type A, B, C, D, and E. It is considered a ‘silent killer’ as an infected person may show limited or no symptoms. When there are symptoms, these normally include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,” Dr. Derbala highlights.

According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, 9 out of 10 of the suspected 325 million people worldwide living with viral hepatitis are unaware they have the virus. The World Hepatitis Alliance is using World Hepatitis Day 2018, 28 July, to raise awareness of the need for greater screening, diagnosis, and care for those who have the virus and are undiagnosed.

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About Hamad Medical Corporation

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar and one of the leading hospital providers in the Middle East.

For more than three decades, HMC has been dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all its patients.

HMC manages twelve hospitals – nine specialist hospitals and three community hospitals – as well as the National Ambulance Service and home and residential care services.

In January 2016, HMC achieved the significant distinction of becoming the first healthcare system across the globe to have all its hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International under the Academic Medical Center accreditation program. Additionally, the National Ambulance Service, Home Healthcare Service, Stroke Service and Palliative Care, have all received this prestigious accreditation since 2011.

To meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, HMC has announced ambitious plans to expand capacity across its network through to 2030. This expansion plan includes a further three new hospitals in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City.

HMC is leading the development of the region’s first academic health system – combining innovative research, top-class education and excellent clinical care – and is committed to building a legacy of healthcare expertise in Qatar. HMC collaborates with key partners who are experts in Qatar and beyond, including Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Partners Healthcare, Boston.

HMC is also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education – International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information please visit: www.hamad.qa or contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hamad.qa

© Press Release 2018