World Hepatitis Day observed in Dimapur with call to end stigma

Dimapur, July 29 (MExN): Healthcare professionals, community organisations and beneficiaries observed World Hepatitis Day 2026 in Dimapur with an awareness programme highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of viral hepatitis, while calling for an end to stigma associated with the disease.

The programme was organised by the CAD Foundation's FIDU Targeted Intervention (FIDU-TI) in collaboration with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), Dimapur, the Dimapur District Users Network (DDUN) and the National Users Network (NUN) at FIDU-TI West Yard under the global theme, "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down."

Welcoming participants, CAD Foundation FIDU-TI Programme Manager Lochumlo stressed the need to create greater awareness, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk communities, and called for improved access to prevention, testing and treatment services.

Speaking on "Hepatitis: A Community Perspective," DDUN president Imti Aier recalled the challenges faced when treatment options for HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis were limited. He highlighted the role of community organisations in expanding healthcare services, including Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), and urged beneficiaries to continue treatment regularly, saying recovery requires commitment and community support.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Neilasakuo Linyu, Senior Specialist at District Hospital Dimapur and Nodal Officer of the NVHCP, explained that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, alcohol, toxins or autoimmune diseases, with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C being the most common chronic forms linked to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

He said Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood, contaminated needles, unprotected sexual contact and from mother to child during childbirth, but not through casual contact such as sharing food or living together. Since hepatitis often has no symptoms, testing remains the only reliable way to detect the disease, he said.

Dr Linyu said Hepatitis B is not curable but can be effectively managed with treatment and prevented through a three-dose vaccination schedule. Hepatitis C, commonly transmitted through contaminated needles and unsafe tattooing practices, is curable with treatment lasting about three to six months, although no vaccine is currently available.

He also informed participants that screening, baseline investigations and treatment are now available free of cost under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme at District Hospital Dimapur. Urging people to overcome fear and misinformation, he encouraged regular testing and timely treatment, particularly among high-risk groups.

NUN secretary Neiba Kesiezie appealed to community members to access hepatitis testing and treatment services without hesitation, saying early intervention can prevent severe liver complications. Drawing from personal experience, he also encouraged people to remain committed to OST programmes and adopt healthier lifestyles.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by CAD Foundation FIDU-TI Outreach Worker Asu, followed by a reaffirmation of the organisers' commitment to strengthening awareness, prevention, early diagnosis and accessible treatment to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

CAD organises Children’s Summer Camp
Meanwhile, CAD Foundation FIDU-TI also organised a two-day Children's Summer Camp on July 23 and 24, providing children with opportunities to learn life skills, health awareness and personal safety through interactive activities.

The camp began at the FIDU-TI Drop-In Centre and concluded with an educational visit to the Science Centre at Super Market, Dimapur. Programme Manager Lochumlo inaugurated the camp, while participants took part in Zumba, craft and painting competitions, storytelling sessions and interactive learning activities.

Dr Tokhuka, Medical Officer of FIDU-OST, conducted a session on personal hygiene, emphasising handwashing, oral hygiene, cleanliness and healthy habits. Albert, counsellor at City Barn, spoke on psychosocial well-being, focusing on emotional health, self-esteem, stress management and seeking support from trusted adults.

Outreach Worker Temjensula conducted an awareness session on child trafficking, educating children on personal safety, identifying trusted adults, avoiding strangers and reporting suspicious situations. Participants were also informed about Childline 1098, the national emergency helpline for children in need of care and protection.

The camp concluded with an educational tour of the Science Centre, where children explored scientific exhibits and interactive displays. CAD Foundation FIDU-TI said the programme promoted the holistic development of children through education, creativity, health awareness and recreation, and thanked Science Centre in-charge Sosang Yaden for providing the auditorium free of cost for the event.