Call for justice for people with Hepatitis B virus

More than 5 million people, around 7 per cent of the population in Bangladesh are carrying hepatitis-B virus in their blood.

Most of these people are youth and working population. In many cases, these people are excluded unjustifiably from job due to hepatitis B virus infection that affects a vital organ, liver.

Hepatology Society of Bangladesh has urged to stop unscientific and irrational exclusion of persons infected with hepatitis B virus from their job.

Renowned hepatologists (liver specialist) of the society said that people who are chronic carrier of hepatitis B virus are equally fit for work like any other people working in the country. Most of the people are just the carrier of the virus and live healthy lives. Virus does not spread through ordinary contact like shaking hands and hugging or through food and water. It spreads through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, from infected mother to her baby, use of common razor.

Many people have misconception regarding the virus and think hepatitis B positive persons are unfit for any job in government and autonomous offices. Some even believe that these persons are medically unfit for admission into hostels, colleges and universities.

The society calls for justice for a vast population living with the virus.

Source: The Daily Star, April 03, 2010