In a significant move aimed at ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated a program to conduct Hepatitis B tests for expectant mothers. This proactive measure aims to identify and treat cases of Hepatitis B among pregnant women, preventing the transmission of the virus to newborns.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth. Newborns infected with the virus are at a high risk of developing chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, or even death later in life.
Recognising the significance of addressing this public health concern, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has collaborated with healthcare professionals and experts to devise a comprehensive screening program. Under this initiative, pregnant women attending municipal healthcare facilities or antenatal clinics will undergo routine Hepatitis B tests as part of their prenatal care.
The testing procedure is simple and involves a blood sample collection, which is then analysed to detect the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). If a pregnant woman tests positive for HBsAg, further investigations and appropriate medical interventions will be provided promptly to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
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Dr. Sanjay Roy, the Chief Medical Officer of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, emphasised the importance of early detection and intervention, stating, "Identifying cases of Hepatitis B in pregnant women helps us in taking prompt treatment in safeguarding the lives of both the mother and baby. The early detection will initiate interventions such as administering Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) to the newborn, and the injection of Hepatitis B vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth. This initiative will significantly reduce the risk of transmission and help protect the child from chronic Hepatitis B."
The implementation of Hepatitis B testing for pregnant women by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation is expected to make a considerable impact on reducing the prevalence of the virus in newborns. It underscores the commitment of the municipal authorities to promote maternal and child health and underscores the importance of preventive measures in safeguarding the well-being of the community.
Health officials and experts have lauded this initiative, hailing it as a significant step toward achieving the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating Hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030. With the commencement of these Hepatitis B tests, Kolkata sets an inspiring example for other regions to prioritise the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their children.
