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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23676, member: 2262"] Hepatitis Crisis Grips The Gambia as Cases Rise. A deadly health threat spreads through The Gambia, often unseen until severe damage occurs. The nation ranks fourth worldwide for hepatitis rates, with one in ten people affected by liver disease. More than 200,000 Gambians live with hepatitis, and experts believe each home has at least one person carrying the virus. The disease mainly spreads through infected blood, contaminated food and water, or from mothers to their babies during birth. Five main types of hepatitis exist, but types B and C cause the most harm in The Gambia. These viruses can lead to liver cancer, making it the top cause of cancer deaths among Gambian men and third among women. The country made progress with baby vaccines, protecting 88% of infants against hepatitis B in 2019. But this number dropped from past years, showing a need for better vaccine programs. People often don't know they have hepatitis until it becomes serious. Signs include yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, stomach pain, and feeling tired. The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital reports up to three deaths each week from hepatitis problems. The disease spreads through several ways in The Gambia. Unclean medical tools, unsafe blood transfusions, and some cultural practices can pass the virus. Many catch it as children through close contact with infected people. Medical experts say better prevention could save lives. They want more vaccines, public education, clean medical equipment, and blood testing. These steps could help stop the spread of hepatitis and protect Gambian families. The battle against hepatitis needs help from everyone - the government, local communities, and international partners. Without action, the disease will keep harming The Gambia's people and straining its healthcare system. Doctors urge Gambians to get tested and seek treatment early. Clean habits, safe medical care, and vaccines can shield people from this serious health threat. The nation's future health depends on stopping hepatitis today. [/QUOTE]

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