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March 23, 2024
In a concerted effort to combat the silent threat of Hepatitis B and its transmission from mother to child, the ‘Illness to Wellness’ initiative, in collaboration with the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), has launched the ‘Winning Over Mothers With Hepatitis B’ (WOMB) campaign. This national endeavor seeks to raise awareness, dispel myths, and foster holistic engagement to promote healthy living and eradicate the stigma associated with the disease.
Addressing Hepatitis B Challenges in India
Hepatitis B remains a significant public health concern in India, affecting over 40 million individuals, with widespread misconceptions exacerbating the challenges faced by patients. To address these issues, ILBS and Illness to Wellness organized an awareness session emphasizing the need to overcome stigma, dispel myths, and ensure effective prevention and control measures.
Key Stakeholder Engagement
During the awareness session, Dr. Shiv K Sarin, Director & Chancellor of ILBS, and Dr. Arti Ahuja, Ex-Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, underscored the importance of vaccination, information dissemination, and community engagement in combating Hepatitis B. They expressed grave concerns about the discrimination faced by Hepatitis B patients and advocated for a shift towards preventive healthcare strategies.
Mobilizing Collective Efforts
Anil Rajput, Chairperson of ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, lauded the ‘WOMB’ initiative as a crucial step in raising awareness and eliminating stigma surrounding Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child. He emphasized the power of collective synergies in achieving the initiative’s objectives, including alleviating pain, suffering, and societal misconceptions.
Empowering Communities Through Education
Launched in December 2022, the ‘WOMB’ initiative has been instrumental in disseminating critical information about vertical Hepatitis B transmission and fostering a supportive environment for affected individuals. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the initiative aims to break barriers, create a patient network, and promote preventive healthcare awareness.
Collaborative Partnerships for Health Promotion
The partnership between Illness to Wellness and EMPATHY seeks to sensitize communities across India about Hepatitis B and C, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. By disseminating vital information and fostering dialogue, this partnership aims to empower individuals to take control of their health and lead fulfilling lives.
Conclusion: Towards a Hepatitis B-Free Future
As the ‘WOMB’ initiative gains momentum, stakeholders across sectors are joining forces to combat Hepatitis B and its transmission. Through education, advocacy, and community empowerment, India is poised to overcome the challenges posed by this silent epidemic and create a healthier future for generations to come.
As the ‘WOMB’ initiative gains traction, India takes strides towards eliminating Hepatitis B transmission and fostering a society free from stigma and discrimination.
