ONE LIFE ONE LIVER
NGO Reg: K2025385201
Hepatitis
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against injury and infection. When you get a cut, the area swells, turns red, and feels warm as your immune system sends healing cells to repair damage and fight germs.
The liver relies on controlled inflammation for many of its functions, including:
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Metabolism – Converting food into energy and nutrients.
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Detoxification – Filtering toxins, drugs, and waste from the blood.
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Immune support – Producing proteins that help fight infections.
When the liver detects harm, it triggers inflammation to remove threats and repair damaged cells. Special repair cells release collagen to stabilize injured tissue. In a healthy liver, this process is tightly regulated—once healing is complete, inflammation stops, and excess collagen dissolves.
When inflamation goes wrong- Hepititis & Chronic Liver Disease
If inflammation becomes chronic (due to viruses, alcohol, fatty liver, or autoimmune reactions), the liver stays in a harmful cycle:
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Repair cells keep depositing collagen, causing stiff scar tissue (fibrosis).
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Over time, scars replace healthy cells, leading to cirrhosis—a severe, irreversible condition.
While viral hepatitis (A, B, C) is a common cause, excessive alcohol, poor diet, or immune disorders can also trigger ongoing liver inflammation and disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent damage.
Understanding Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E
Key Differences
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Hepatitis A (HAV): A short-term, highly contagious infection spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact. A vaccine is available.
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Hepatitis B (HBV): Can be acute or chronic, transmitted via blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Vaccination prevents infection.
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Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily spread through blood contact (e.g., shared needles). Often becomes chronic; no vaccine exists, but treatments can cure it.
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Hepatitis D (HDV): Only infects those already with HBV, worsening liver damage. Rare in the U.S.
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Hepatitis E (HEV): Spread through contaminated water, usually acute. Dangerous for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Prevalance and risk
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High Endemicity:
HBV is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with HBsAg carrier rates ranging from 5% to 20% in the general population.
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Impact:
HBV infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of liver cancer in the region, with Mozambique having the highest incidence rate.
In sub-Saharan Africa it is the most common cause of cancer related deaths in men and third highest in women.
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Challenges:
Despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals, challenges remain in controlling HBV infection, including suboptimal vaccine coverage and limited access to diagnostics and treatment.
Many people with hepatitis B or C are unaware they’re infected, increasing transmission and liver damage risks.
Symptoms
Symptoms (when present) may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.
Prevention & Treatment
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Vaccines: Available for HAV and HBV.
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Testing: Crucial for early detection, especially in high-risk groups.
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Treatment: HBV is manageable with antivirals; HCV is curable with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).
Hepatitis D and E are less common but pose serious risks in certain populations. Public awareness, vaccination, and screening are key to reducing infections and liver disease.