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IRRA Encourages Increased Hepatitis Screening To Commemorate World Hepatitis Day

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 354 million people globally are affected by hepatitis B or C, with over a million deaths attributed to hepatitis each year. In Indonesia, it's estimated that about 20 million people have hepatitis, with the highest prevalence being hepatitis B. If this trend continues, by 2040, hepatitis could claim more lives annually than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined. To mark World Hepatitis Day on July 28, PT Itama Ranoraya Tbk (“IRRA”), a company specializing in high-tech medical equipment and supplies, is actively promoting early detection of hepatitis. Early detection is crucial to prevent further complications for patients and to ease the financial burden on social security systems. Hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed due to a virus. There are five types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E, each differing in transmission methods, severity, and treatment options. Hepatitis often shows no symptoms and may only be detected when the disease has progressed significantly. As a result, many people live with undiagnosed hepatitis. Even when diagnosed, the number of individuals seeking treatment and care to survive this disease is quite low. “Most hepatitis cases go undiagnosed because symptoms are often not apparent until the disease has advanced. Therefore, it’s essential for people, especially those in high-risk groups like those with a history of blood transfusions or shared needle use, to undergo regular screenings.”

The best preventive practices to reduce the risk of hepatitis include vaccination, especially for hepatitis A and B, maintaining hand hygiene, ensuring that food and drinks consumed are clean and well-cooked, and avoiding sharing needles. In this way, we can reduce the prevalence of undiagnosed hepatitis and improve the chances of early treatment," said Satria Mulia Chaerudin, General Manager Marketing of PT Itama Ranoraya Tbk.

Symptoms of hepatitis that need to be watched out for include pale stools, abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, mild fever, loss of appetite, and joint pain.

As part of IRRA's commitment to supporting the realization of a hepatitis-free world by 2030 as outlined by the WHO, IRRA actively promotes early detection efforts of hepatitis in the country. This is done by distributing Abbott Reagents, a leading diagnostic solution in hepatitis screening, especially for the HBsAg virus in Hepatitis B and Anti HCV in Hepatitis C.

As an official partner of Abbott in distributing this product since 2017, IRRA has played a crucial role in providing high-quality diagnostic tools to over 75 healthcare facilities across Indonesia.

Heru Firdausi Syarif, President Director of PT Itama Ranoraya Tbk, said, "The Abbott Reagents we distribute have 100% sensitivity, ensuring minimal errors in readings. By 2023, the Company has successfully distributed over 500 reagents throughout Indonesia, especially to Blood Transfusion Units in Hospitals and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). We continue to strive for expansion to various regions in Indonesia in the hope of promoting early detection efforts for hepatitis and overall improving the health status of our community."

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Tag: IRRA Itama Ranoraya World Hepatitis Day