Free vaccination against Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis virus from 14 May

Healthcare authorities in Thayawady District, Bago Region, are preparing to officially launch for the second time an immunisation drive against Hepatitis B and the Japanese encephalitis virus to protect the public from the two serious, infectious diseases.

The drive will begin on 14 May and last until 17 May, targeting more than 4,000 people in Minhla Township. The township Public Health Department is currently arranging to successfully carry out the vaccination programme through 39 well-trained teams and six groups of rural health, in cooperation with the township Maternal and Child Welfare Association.

A meeting was held between the Minhla Township Public Health Department and respective government departments and social organisations ahead of the drive.

Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus that affects the liver, causing both acute and chronic infections. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) survey, there are some 400 million people living with the Hepatitis B virus.

The Japanese encephalitis virus, the leading cause of encephalitis in Asia, is spread by mosquitoes. The symptoms of the deadly disease include fever, headache and disorientation. The survivors may also suffer permanent intellectual or neurological problems, according to WHO.

Pauk Sa (Minhla)

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar