Hepatitis C Initiative
KASHMER, with its partners on the ground, is helping in the identification of patients affected by Hepatitis C.
Amongst recent media and healthcare reports suggesting epidemic numbers in certain pockets of South Kashmir, such as Takiya Magam and Sumbari 30-40 %, and with other districts of KASHMIR with definitely increased prevalence in comparison to the past, the project was taken up as a matter of high priority and started in 2018.
HEP C, also known as THE SILENT KILLER, has been a gratifying disease to treat for following reasons:
Nature of the disease, asymptomatic till much later when more than 85% develop chronic liver-disease- Cirrhoses and Hepato-cellular Carcinoma.
Continued high prevalence & endemic pockets
High social and economic burden
Highly effective treatment > 95-100% cure, well tolerated, affordable, and pangeomic DAAs treatment now available.
Initial community screening camps conducted by KASHMER revealed a prevalence of over 5%.
Once identified, these patients along with other high risk patients, such as hemodialyses patients, hemophiliacs, are offered free diagnostics and treatment.
At present 50+ patients have benefited with sequential labs, ultrasound-fibroscans, specialty consultations and treatment free of cost.
These patients are also assured future follow ups as well. At the end of their successful treatment and seroconversion they are a given disease free certificate.
Also awareness and educational endeavors will continue to be pursued to prevent secondary transmission.
Partnered with HPVT with Al Imdaad and a team of dedicated doctors voluntarily operating the project at International Health Clinic in Srinagar.
