HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 December 2023 - Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) significantly increases the risk of acute liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. To effectively manage the disease, patients require regular monitoring and timely treatment. However, a recent community hepatitis B screening and disease awareness survey conducted by Asiahep Hong Kong has revealed alarming findings. The survey aimed to provide insights into the current state of hepatitis B in the city, and the results highlight a concerning reality. Approximately 50,000 individuals in Hong Kong remain undiagnosed as "hidden hepatitis B patients." Furthermore, the survey found that 43% of hepatitis B carriers have not sought any medical advice, and less than half of the hepatitis B patients (46%) undergo appropriate medical follow-up. These findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, education, and proactive healthcare interventions to address this pressing public health issue. Combatting Hepatitis B: An Urgent Call to Action Viral hepatitis remains a pressing global public health concern. In alignment with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's commitment to the World Health Organization's mission of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, Asiahep Hong Kong has collaborated with six prominent social welfare organizations, social enterprises, and student groups. These include the esteemed City Lions Club of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Sik Sik Yuen, The Jade Club, the medical society of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the medical society of the Hong Kong University Students' Union. With unwavering support from Gilead Sciences, they have launched the groundbreaking "Combating Hepatitis B in Hong Kong 2023" campaign, which took place from June to October this year. Mr Andy Wing-chuen LAM, President of the City Lions Club of Hong Kong, expressed his dedication to serving the community by stating, " City Lions Club of Hong Kong has always been committed to serving society and organizing activities that benefit people from all walks of life in Hong Kong. We are thrilled to collaborate with Asiahep Hong Kong on this significant initiative. Together with the student organizations from two esteemed medical schools in Hong Kong, we have deployed medical consultants and volunteers to The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Sik Sik Yuen and The Jade Club. Our aim is to provide free hepatitis B screening services to their members, benefiting over 700 citizens. Going forward, the City Lions Club of Hong Kong will continue to forge partnerships with various organizations, working hand in hand to combat hepatitis B."Key survey findings from "Combating Hepatitis B in Hong Kong 2023" campaign A total of 768 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and above participated in the "Combating Hepatitis B in Hong Kong 2023". The main survey results are as follows: 1. Over 50,000 unidentified hepatitis B carriers uncovered in Hong Kong Out of the 768 participants involved in this campaign, a total of 41 individuals were identified as hepatitis B patients, indicating an infection rate of approximately 5.3% (41 out of 768). These findings are consistent with the data released by the Department of Health. Remarkably, six individuals were solely diagnosed with hepatitis B through this screening campaign, underscoring the importance of such initiative. Considering the adult population in Hong Kong, it is estimated that there are still approximately 50,000 undiagnosed individuals who are "hidden hepatitis B carriers". Dr Kelvin Long-yan LAM, President of the Asiahep Hong Kong and a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology, provided valuable insights into hepatitis B, stating, "Hepatitis B is often referred to as an invisible killer due to its ability to remain asymptomatic in the early stages of infection. It is only when the hepatitis B virus triggers persistent liver inflammation for more than 6 months that it progresses into chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B is a lifelong infection and can pose a significant risk of acute liver failure. Furthermore, in the long term, approximately 15-40% of individuals with chronic hepatitis B may experience disease progression, including liver cirrhosis or liver cancer." 2. 43% of patients fail to follow up after receiving a diagnosis, and less than half (46%) of individuals with hepatitis B undergo regular check-ups During the campaign, a significant number of participants (35 individuals) who were already aware of their hepatitis B infection...