Know Hepatitis A and Simple Steps to Prevent its Transmission

JAKARTA - Hepatitis is still one of the health problems that need attention, including hepatitis A whose transmission is closely related to contaminated food and water.

The momentum of World Hepatitis Day which is celebrated every July 28 is an opportunity to re-increase public awareness about prevention and protection against hepatitis, including through vaccination.

One group that needs to understand the risk of hepatitis A is students. This age group is quite close to the transmission pathway of hepatitis A which generally comes from contaminated food and water.

In addition, when it occurs in adults, hepatitis A tends to cause more severe symptoms than in children.

This is one of the concerns in the education and vaccination activities for hepatitis A held in the health education institution environment by PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia (Etana).

The series of activities was opened at the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, then continued at the Faculty of Medicine, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, as well as the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Gadjah Mada University.

The peak of the activities took place at the FK-KMK UGM through a seminar and vaccination involving the 2024-class Doctor of Medicine students together with the Department of Internal Medicine of the FK-KMK UGM. A total of 375 doses of vaccine were given to academicians consisting of lecturers, teaching staff, and students.

In total, 570 participants have received vaccinations in the series of activities, which are still ongoing.

Dr. Sudadi, SpAn-TI, Subsp.N.An(K), Subsp.An.R(K), Deputy Dean for Cooperation, Alumni, and Community Service UGM, said the campus has a role in increasing understanding of health, including hepatitis prevention.

"Hepatitis is still a health problem that needs to be addressed in Indonesia, and campuses can play a role beyond just a place to study. Education is a form of pilot and vaccine is a long-term investment to protect the next generation," said Dr. dr. Sudadi, SpAn-TI, Subsp.N.An(K), Subsp.An.R(K), Vice Dean for Cooperation, Alumni, and Community Service UGM.

Hepatitis A is a disease that needs to be watched out for because one of the transmission routes is related to the consumption of contaminated food or water. The habit of keeping food and drink clean is an important part of prevention efforts.

Vaccination is also one form of protection that can be considered. However, the need for vaccination for each individual can be different so that the public can consult with health workers to find out which vaccinations are suitable for their conditions and needs.

Indra Lamora, Director of the Anti-Infectious and Vaccine Business Unit of Etana, said education about hepatitis needs to go hand in hand with protection efforts through vaccination.

"The need for protection against hepatitis A is real, and we believe that education and vaccination cannot be done alone. Therefore, Etana is always open to collaborating with anyone who has the same concern, ranging from hospitals, universities, professional organizations, sports communities, to local governments," said Indra Lamora.

Awareness of hepatitis is also important because not all people understand the risks and how to prevent it. Knowing the transmission pathways, maintaining cleanliness, and seeking information about vaccination can be part of preventive measures in daily life.

The series of hepatitis A vaccination activities is a continuation of a similar program previously carried out in a number of regions in Indonesia and involving diverse community groups, including children, young athletes, health workers, and the general public.

World Hepatitis Day can be a momentum for the community to not only recognize hepatitis, but also understand the available protection steps and consult with health workers if they need vaccination.