Asmara: Eritrea observed World Hepatitis Day at the national level, focusing primarily on infection-related hepatitis. Dr. Araya Berhane, Director of Communicable Diseases Control at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that this type of hepatitis remains a leading cause of illness and death in the country.
According to African Press Organization, Dr. Araya cited a study by the Ministry of Health revealing that in Eritrea, 30 out of every 1,000 people are carriers of the Hepatitis B virus, while 5 out of every 1,000 are carriers of Hepatitis C. He noted that the rate of infection varies across regions, with chronic illnesses often linked to these viruses.
The event also included a general knowledge competition among secondary schools in the Central Region, where awards were presented to the winners.