Hepatitis B is a major health problem in India with approximately 50 million people estimated to be carriers of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). About 1% of these carriers, i.e. approx. 500,000, are at risk of developing & dying of liver cancer, the ninth leading cause of death (WHO). It has also been estimated that out of over 25 million infants born each year, over one million run the lifetime risk of developing chronic HBV infection. This virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood, infected needles & unprotected sexual activity and can affect people of all ages. The number of cases in India is increasing with each passing year because of lack of awareness among the people about this disease & prevention.
To prevent HBV transmission & to protect young children aged between 6 to 17 years living in vulnerable areas & slums of New Delhi, India, the Rotary Club of Delhi Garden City proposes to launch a Hepatitis B immunization campaign to vaccinate 15,000 children with the assistance of this Matching Grant over a six month period in year 2010-11. This vaccination program is being conducted in collaboration with the Liver Care Foundation (LCF) who would provide technical assistance for implementing this vaccination program, help to prepare a registry of vaccinated children as well as procure informed and written consent from the parents of these children. These children will receive three doses of the vaccination to provide lifetime immunity. Targeted children will first be educated on liver and liver diseases, particularly Hepatitis B, at the initiation of a community program and prior to the children receiving the vaccinations. Thus apart from the lifetime protection given by the vaccine, we will endeavor to create awareness about Hepatitis B prevention. |
