Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Biography

Biography: Sumera Aziz Ali

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a deadly infectious disease, which is increasing now days in Pakistan. This disease is mainly rooted in the poverty and illiteracy. There are huge discrepancies in health conditions between rural and urban areas and among different socio-economic strata, which have also played role in increasing the burden of this deadly disease. Furthermore, multiple social and cultural barriers are prevailing in the country which might play an important role in increasing the burden of this disease in the society. Thus, the objective of this review was to synthesize the findings regarding the burden of Hepatitis B in Pakistan and to review the social and cultural barriers, which have resulted increased burden of the Hepatitis B in Pakistan. Multiple social and cultural barriers including poverty, ignorance, cultural and traditional activities, practice of shaving at barbers, lack of sterilization facilities and infection control policies, cultural norms and myths about vaccines, lack of policy implementation, increased number of quacks and injection drug usage have resulted in increased burden of this disease in our society. Public awareness needs to be created in the general population along with law enforcement by the Government to regularize the non- formal and private health sector. Moreover, vaccination programs are required to improve the overall vaccination coverage. Government needs to make innovative strategies according to the social and cultural context of country.