Curing the Stigma of Hepatitis C to Enrich Lives

Acute or chronic Hepatitis C is a diagnosis which often negatively marks those afflicted, with the condemnation from society, mostly due to lack of awareness and education. Like various other illnesses, the disease is treatable. With medical attention and optimum care, survivors can pursue their right to quality of life.

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Hepatitis C Does Not Discriminate. People Do.

Education and community awareness are the two simplest ways forward to assist those living with Hepatitis C. It is known that with targeted healthcare, and mental health support such as counselling, recovery from Hepatitis C is possible! With better education on recognising the risks of contracting Hepatitis C, on overcoming the disease and in getting the right support, Hepatitis C patients can be hopeful of a smoother recovery journey.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a type of pathogen which infects a person who encounters with contaminated blood. Where said contagion is present in the body, and the manifestation is acute, one could go undiagnosed — as this milder version seldom leads to a breakout of the typical symptoms. The usual symptoms are jaundice (liver damage and cirrhosis), nausea, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. An infection generally starts with this initial phase. If it does graduate to the more hazardous rendition, said evolution makes it the chronic (long-term) version of the same. Treatments depend on the strain. Other signs include bleeding, easy bruising, dark urine, swelling in the legs, itchy skin, and weight loss.

How Does the Hepatitis C Virus Spread?

Transmission is multi-faceted as contraction of this disease can occur through various ways. Among them are: 

(1) sexual intercourse with an infected individual,

(2) having multiple sex partners  resulting in venereal disease infection,

(3) passing of infection from HCV-positive mother to child at birth,

(4) sharing of drug-injection utensils like syringes (irrespective of recency),

(5) unsanitary blood transfusions and organ transplants (particularly before July 1992),

(6) compromised personal items are another method, such as toothbrushes and razors, and,

(7) unregulated tattoos and body piercings which might involve tainted needles and associated materials.

Why is Being Truly Inclusive Important?

People with Hepatitis C sometimes face discrimination in social situations, leading to having poorer quality of social life. By practicing safety precautions, people with Hepatitis C can also enjoy a healthy social life.  It is important to remember that they are more than their illnesses - they are people with hopes, dreams, triumphs, thoughts, ideas, and personal goals.

Where to Turn for Help on Your Journey?

Malaysia Healthcare offers Hepatitis C treatments which are efficacious, accessible and affordable and it comes in the form of direct-acting antiviral drugs (ie., Velpatasvir and Ravidasvir, etc), which offers a safe and effective antiviral treatment (minimal to no side effects). These medications can be tailored according to the patient’s needs (i.e., genotype, etc.), recording up to 97% in cure rate, and 93% in cost savings. Find out more here.  

Hepatitis C is Not a Dead End. Let’s Flip the Script.

Early detection is the best way forward to overcome Hepatitis C. Malaysia Healthcare has joined in the mission spearheaded by the World Health Organization to eliminate Hepatitis C globally by year 2030. Do reach out to us for more information on a solution for Hepatitis C.

For enquiries on dedicated treatment packages, contact Malaysia Healthcare today at: callcentre@mhtc.org.my