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Health authorities in Bamenda have warned that the numbers of positive cases of hepatitis B in the region are rising at an alarming rate.
Dr Leonel Che, medical doctor at the region hospital in Bamenda says out of every 100 people in the region, 12 of them are infected with hepatitis B virus. The medical doctor was speaking today as part of ways to raise awareness as the region joins the international community to celebrate World Hepatitis B Day.
According to health officials at the Bamenda regional hospital, the number of positive cases is as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that has diverted attention away from the ailment and care is no longer given to hepatitis.
“Hepatitis B has not gone on holidays, there are over 350 million people in the world living with hepatitis B. We can’t wait to test everyone who comes and to place those who are positive on treatment immediately,” said Dr Lionel Che.
According to Mercy, a nurse in Bamenda, the increase in number is as a result of unhealthy sexual practices by youths that have rapidly gained a place even amongst the old.
“Young people engage in unprotected sex, they engage in licking and sucking the private parts of their sex partners without caring to know their hepatitis B status. This is the problem. They now like to do headers, blow jobs and cunnilingus. It’s a pity,” said mercy.
Residents of Bamenda have been advised to turn up at various hospitals and health centers to be tested of hepatitis B virus and know their status and get vacinaated immidiatley to reduce the swelling number of cases.
By Timfuchi Aaron
