World Hepatitis Day 2023 : " We Can’t Wait" Seminar

The seminar organized by the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh on July 28 in CIRDAP International Conference Hall, Dhaka.

Chief Guest of the program was Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, Honorable Chief Justice of Bangladesh.

Special Guests were Mr. AM Amin Uddin, Attorney General of Bangladesh, Justice Biswajit Debnath, Supreme Court of Bangladesh High Court Division and Prof. Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam, Director, Disease Control and Line Director CDC, DGHS and Mr. Reazul Islam, Regional Board Member SEARO, World Hepatitis Alliance.

Dr. Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh was unable to present as Special Guest on the occasion. He sent a written message on WHD 2023.

Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, Prof. M Anisur Rahman, Joint Secretary General, Dr. Golam Azam,Member, Dr. Nazmul Hakim Shaheen, Member and Mr. Zunaid Murshed Paiker, Chief Coordinator of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh and Zerin Tasnim Meem, Dhaka Medical College Student & Hep Contest Champion Award Winner were present.

Master of Ceremony was Dr. Md. Anwarul Alam, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Central International Medical College.

Doctors, Medical Students, Midwives, University & College students and media personals attended.

A video documentary of “24 years journey of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh” was displayed at the beginning.

Speakers put special emphasis on urgent need for Awareness, Prevention, Treatment & Control of viral hepatitis in Bangladesh. Prevention of mother to child transmission of Hepatitis B virus & birth dose implementation should get top priority. Viral hepatitis awareness & treatment facilities to be expanded among the rural population of Bangladesh and ensure linkage to care. They are optimistic that, Elimination 2030 targets to be reached and SDGs (3.3 goals) will be achieved in Bangladesh.

WHD 2023 appreciation award for working in the viral awareness building were given to `Bangladesh Midwifery Society (BMS)’, `Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society (BMSS)’ and `Youth Club of Bangladesh (YCB)’.

Dr. Nazmul Hakim Shaheen welcomed distinguished guests and everyone. He highlighted the theme and the importance of the World Hepatitis Day.

Prof. Mohammad Ali at his Keynote speech described the fundamentals of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh. Awareness, Advocacy, Tasting, Vaccination, Treatment & Research in the field of viral hepatitis and other liver diseases. Decentralization of the programs in rural Bangladesh, Regional Hepatitis Days, Free vaccination of orphan children in different Govt. Children Home of most the districts & divisional headquarters of the country. Free treatment of underprivileged Hepatitis B & C patients under “Zakat Fund”.

Initiation of “Former Attorney General Mahbubey Alam Hepatitis C Treatment Initiative” for free treatment of young underprivileged hepatitis c patients. This initiative is in the recognition of the contribution of advocate late Mahbubey Alam, a great patron of the foundation. Treatment of three underprivileged patients is ongoing under this program.

He further told that, Hepatitis B (Birth dose) implementation in EPI schedule, reduce of cost of viral hepatitis drugs, especially for DAAs (for HCV). Stigma and discrimination of hepatitis B and C patience should be stopped.

National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh welcomes the initiative of CDC, DGHS of Government for initiation of "National Operational Plan for Elimination of Viral Hepatitis in Bangladesh". The Liver Foundation is happy to be with this dynamic initiative. Hope Elimination 2030 targets to be reached & SDGs goals (3.3) will be achieved in Bangladesh.

Prof. M Anisur Rahman highlighted the prevention of Mother to child transmission, the most important cause of Hepatitis B Transmission. He thanked the Government for running successful EPI program to combat it. On behalf of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, he congratulated the Hon. Prime Minster of Bangladesh for achieving the Vaccine Hero award by the GAVI.

The Chief Guest, Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, The Hon'ble Chief Justice of Bangladesh, He heavyheartedly remembered former Attorney General late Mahbubey Alam with honor and gratitude for his relentless contribution and engagement to the philanthropic activities of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh for pretty longtime. He believes that the foundation and the people associated with it will remember him and May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) will offer him Jannatul Ferdous.

He acknowledged and express his gratitude for the persistent efforts of the Liver Foundation for control of viral hepatitis in Bangladesh.

He urged everyone to encourage their community to get tested and vaccinated to stop the transmission of viral hepatitis.

Communicable Diseases (Prevention, Control & Elimination) Act 2018 of the Government include viral hepatitis. This law has a great impact for control viral hepatitis in Bangladesh.

He generously praised the humanitarian services of medical community to stand by the sufferer during their critical moment. He also admires the medical community for their dedicated services during 2020-21 in critical situation with life risk.

He urged the Medical Community to work in the ideology of our Liberation war of 1971 and reach the medical services to the common people of the nation.

Special Guest Mr. AM Amin Uddin, Attorney General of Bangladesh praised the decentralization of viral hepatitis preventive activities and approach of connecting the people of rural Bangladesh by Prof. Mohammad Ali and the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh.

He heavy heartedly remembered his predecessor late Mahbubey Alam, who often used to talk about the liver foundations activities and his involvements.

He used to urged the people to know about viral hepatitis, the silent killer & protect themselves.

Special Guest Justice Biswajit Debnath, Supreme Court of Bangladesh High Court Division praised Prof. Mohammad Ali for his long continued humanitarian efforts for the people of every walk of life.

Special Guest, Dr. Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh in his written message, thanked the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh for organizing the World Hepatitis Day 2023. Congratulated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National hepatitis Control Program and Development partners for their best progress that has been made so far towards elimination of virus hepatitis in Bangladesh.

Globally, Hepatitis B and C combined causes 3 million new infection and 1.1 million death every year. There is over one new chronic infection every ten seconds. In addition, there is a huge number of undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis cases every year.

An estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination / diagnostic tests / medicines / and education campaigns.

WHO stands ready to provides essential technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh on this.

He concluded that, it's a call to accelerate the elimination efforts of viral hepatitis now and the urgent need for testing & treatment for the people who need it. All the best for our journey towards viral hepatitis elimination.

Special Guest Prof. Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam, Director, Disease Control and Line Director, Communicable Disease Control (CDC), DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh informed that; the prevalence of hepatitis B & C is decreasing by continues efforts of the Government. It will help globally to achieve the SDG goal 2030 by Bangladesh.

The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) of Bangladesh Government has great success and contribution on it. He praised the Hon. Prime Minster of Bangladesh for her dynamic leadership & vision towards elimination of viral hepatitis in Bangladesh.

Government is already providing free treatment for viral hepatitis patients in limited scale. Hopefully to increase it by next financial year.

He hopes to succeed to achieve elimination goal 2030 by combined effort of everyone.

Mr. Reazul Islam, Regional Board Member SEARO, World Hepatitis Alliance, expressed his happiness to be a part of this years World Hepatitis Day event by National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh. He is a hepatitis B sufferer and recipient of liver transplant in 2011 at BIRDEM General Hospital, Bangladesh.

He told that, he is fortunate to be here as a Regional Borad member of South East Asia Region of World Hepatitis Alliance, Geneva. Working for control of viral hepatitis SEARO and Globally.

On behalf of World Hepatitis Alliance, congratulated the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh for their successful completion of the World Hepatitis Day 2023 events in Bangladesh.

Mr. Zunaid Murshed Paiker presented the events of World Hepatitis Day 2023 by NLFB.

Zerin Tasnim Meem presented the ways of viral hepatitis transmission, awareness and its prevention.

Dr. Golam Azam thanked the distinguish guests, participants and print and electronic media personals for attending the event and make it success.

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Highlights of achievements & significant events of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh: last 24 years (15 April 1999 to 15 April 2023)

  1. NLFB registered by the Government of Bangladesh for activities throughout the nation.
  2. Member of the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), Geneva in 2007
  3. Prof Mohammad Ali, is one of the signatories of the “Resolution on Viral Hepatitis” which was accepted by the 63rd World Health Assembly of WHO in May 2010, and offered official recognition of World Hepatitis Day on July 28 globally
  4. Govt. of Bangladesh donated land at Sylhet for making National Liver Foundation Hospital, Sylhet. Consultation & Diagnostic facilities have already been made.
  5. NLFB is a member of the Bangladesh Network for NCD Control & Prevention (BNNCP)
  6. Prof. Mohammad Ali represented NLFB, as a member of BNNCP met with the Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh & Hon.  Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament.   
  7. Advocacy to the Government of Bangladesh for adopting the “National Viral Hepatitis Control Strategy” in Bangladesh
  8. Advocacy to CDC, DGHS, Govt. of Bangladesh for incorporation of “Birth dose” in the EPI schedule.
  9. Nobel Laureate Baruch S. Blumberg, Nobel prize winner for the discovery of the Hepatitis B virus & development of the hepatitis B vaccine appreciated the activities of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh. Sent his book “The Hunt for a Killer Virus Hepatitis B” to Prof Mohammad Ali with a goodwill message on World Hepatitis Day in Bangladesh in 2010
  1. Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE), USA honored Prof Ali with the “Hepatitis Elimination Champion 2021 Award '' for his founding of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, initiation of Liver transplants in Bangladesh & creation of programs that have expanded access to hepatitis testing & treatment and accelerated progress towards hepatitis control in Bangladesh..
  2. NLFB selected & participated in the “Find the Missing Millions in Country Advocacy Program” along with 4 other countries of the world.
  3. Nationwide viral hepatitis awareness, free vaccination of thousands of orphan children of Govt. children’s homes in most of the districts & divisional headquarters of Bangladesh.
  4. NLFB Participated in the 1st,2nd & 3rd World Hepatitis Summit in Glasgow, Brazil & Geneva respectively. Had many presentations at three world summits.     
  5. Prof. Ali represented Bangladesh in the policy-making on “Regional Strategy for the control of viral hepatitis in the South East Asia Region” at WHO SEARO, New Delhi India.
  6. NLFB initiated the “NOhep” & “Find the Missing Million “campaigns in Bangladesh.   NO help drive travelled 8 divisions of Bangladesh.
  7. World Hepatitis Days observed from 2008 to 2022 in Bangladesh.
  8. “Hepatitis B & C Patient’s Conferences” at Dhaka & Chittagong
  9. NLFB initiated the “Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of Hepatitis B (PMTCT)” Programme in Bangladesh.   
  10. “Reginal Hepatitis Days” in district & divisional headquarters of Bangladesh. Reaching the unreachable mass population, especially in rural Bangladesh is the basis of all the campaigns.
  11. “NOhep Cricket” for passing the viral hepatitis awareness message among the cricketer supporters & general population enjoying the most popular game in Bangladesh.  
  12. Initiated the “Zakat Fund” for free treatment of underprivileged, young hepatitis B & C patients, where hundreds of patients received free treatment.
  13. The candidate nominated by NLFB, became the elected Board member of the South East Asia region of (SEARO) of WHA. He is representing NLFB & Bangladesh in the WHA. He is the second one to grace the position of SEARO Board Member nominated by NLFB.
  14. Prof. Ali represented NLFB in the “Costed National Action Plan for viral Hepatitis in Bangladesh” organized by CDC, DGHS, Govt of Bangladesh & WHO
  15.  “Hepatitis Can’t-Wait contest for DMC students” joint program of NLFB, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LHTM) & Dhaka Medical College (DMC).
  16.   Publications of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh:

1. “High prevalence of Hepatitis B & C virus infections among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: a growing concern for the refugees and the Host communities” published at the Clinical Liver Disease (CLD), the Journal of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)           

2. “Redefining fatty liver disease: an international patient perspective”, published in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.        

3. The impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis B and C virus prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in Bangladesh compared with Japan and the global perspective” Joint study of NLFB with Hiroshima University, Japan & Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE) USA.

4. “Crowd Sourcing to Increase Hepatitis B &C Testing and Reduce Hepatitis Stigma Among Medical Students in Bangladesh”. A joint study of NLFB & London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LHTM).  

Video LInk : https://www.facebook.com/liver.org.bd/videos/6098030290289323

The National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh organised the first-ever meeting of the renowned Hepatologists and Gastroenterologists of Sylhet at its own premise, Shahi Edgah, Sylhet on March 14, 2023. The newly built premise is made on the land donated by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

We are overwhelmed by their presence and their eagerness to contribute to the prevention, treatment, and care of liver disease patients at the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh Sylhet premises.

The event was attended by Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Professor of Gastroenterology, Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College, Dr. Syed Alamgir Safwath,  Professor of Gastroenterology, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Dr. Madhusudan Saha, Professor of Gastroenterology, Sylhet Women's Medical College. Dr. K M J  Zaki, Professor of Hepatology, Parkview Medical College, Dr. M K Sur Chowdhury, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College, Dr. Md. Oliur Rahman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College, Dr. Mostak Uddin Ahmed, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College, Dr. Kazi Zana Alam, Associate Professor of Surgery, Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College and Dr. Md Zakir Hossain, Consultant Pathologist, Al Haramain Hospital, Sylhet.

Also attended by Mr. Shawkatur Rahman, Chief Coordinator, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh Sylhet, and Mr. Motosir Ali, a Well-wisher of the foundation.

Mr. Zunaid Murshed Paiker, CEO of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh presented the activities of the Liver Foundation in the field of Prevention, Treatment, Advocacy, and Research on liver diseases, especially on viral hepatitis in Bangladesh. He also highlighted the long-continued activities of the foundation at Sylhet.

Prof. Mohammad Ali, Founder & Secretary General of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh welcomed everyone and narrated the present working plan and future viewpoint of making a specialized liver hospital for the treatment & control of liver diseases in this region. He believes that it will be possible with the generous support of the people & Government of Bangladesh.

Distinguished guests admired the initiatives and appreciated the humanitarian aspects of the liver foundation. They also praised the establishment of well-planned liver treatment facilities at Sylhet. They offered their ideas and showed keen interest to engage themselves in the services of the foundation at Sylhet.

They believe that the liver disease patients of this region will get the proper guideline for prevention and access to treatment and care at an affordable cost and free for the underprivileged. 

Photo Album :

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The Inauguration Ceremony of “Hepatitis Can’t Wait Contest for DMC Students” & Viral Hepatitis Awareness Seminar held at Shaheed Dr Milon Audiorium, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka on 12 September 2022.

This program is jointly organized by the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB) & the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), supported by Dhaka Medical College (DMC), campaign partner Bangladesh Medical Students Society (BMSS).

The main aim of this open call “Hepatitis Can’t Wait Contest for DMC Students” is to solicit ideas from medical students to encourage for the increase of hepatitis B and C testing among medical students and other health professionals in Bangladesh.

Medical students of Dhaka Medical College will submit texts or videos to illustrate their practical ideas related to Viral Hepatitis. The submission will cover

1. Creative ideas to promote hepatitis testing among medical students.

2. Experiences of family or friends who were tested and treated for hepatitis B or C.

3. Innovative ideas to decrease stigma associated with hepatitis testing.

The top 10 winners’ submissions will get prizes and it will be published for awareness activities among medical students

Prof. Dr. Md. Titu Miah, Principal, Dhaka Medical College graced the occasion as chief guest. He thanked the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB) & the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) for arranging such an important program among Dhaka Medical College students, which is first of its kind in Bangladesh.

Prof. Dr. Md. Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury, Vice Principal, Dhaka Medical College attended as Special Guest.

The Keynote speech was presented by Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh. He described the importance of testing for hepatitis B & C among medical students and urged them to pass awareness messages to their family, friends and society.

Prof. M Anisur Rahman Joint Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh. Gave a speech on the Importance of Viral Hepatitis Awareness among Medical Students.

Dr. Faroque Ahmed Head, Dept. of Hepatology, Dhaka Medical College had a detailed presentation on Hepatitis B & C transmission, awareness and its prevention.

Dr. H A Nazmul Hakim (Shaheen), Associate Professor (Surgery), Dhaka Medical College offered the welcome speech and conducted the program. He played important role in organizing the program.

Professor Joseph D. Tucker of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine gave a video message, he explains the idea of the contest and request everyone to participate.

Bangladesh Medical Students Society (BMSS) members of DMC conducted awareness campaign of the program.

Hundreds of Dhaka Medical College students attended the program and showed keen interest to participate in the “Hepatitis Can’t Wait Contest for DMC Students”.

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National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh organized Kushtia Hepatitis Day 2022 on August 31, 2022 at Kushtia district headquarter. This program supported by BRB Hospitals Ltd.

The programs included an awareness seminar, free hepatitis B & C Screening & Hepatitis B vaccination of orphan children of Govt. Children Homes. (Shorkari Shishu Poribar). Distribution of leaflets, banners and Festoons in the city. Scientific program at Kushtia Medical College.

Awareness seminar was held at Zilla Shilpokola Academy, Kushtia. Chief Guest was Mr. Mohammad Saidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kushtia.

Distinguished participants were Mr. Mofizur Rahman, Director, BRB Hospitals Ltd., Renowned Oncologist Prof. Dr. Md. Mofazzel Hossain (Lt Col- Retd) and Dr. HM Anwarul Islam, Civil Surgeon, Kushtia.

Keynote Speaker was Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh.

Free hepatitis B Vaccination program was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Kushtia. Under this program 545 orphan children of Sharkari Shishu Paribar (Government Children Homes) of Kushtia (Boys), Sharkari Shishu Paribar (Government Children Homes) of Kushtia (Girls), Sheikh Russel Shishu Prosikkhon O Punorbason Kandra (Boys), Sheikh Russel Shishu Prosikkhon O Punorbason Kandra (Girls), Prothibondi Meyeder Prosikkhon O Punorbason Kandro, Dristiprotibondhi Biddaloy (Boys), Hasib Dream School & College and Kiam Seratunnessa Memorial Trust Madrasa (Boys) got free hepatitis B & C Screening and received hepatitis B Vaccine.We know that 545 children of Kushtia will now be protected from hepatitis, liver cirrhosis & liver cancer caused by hepatitis B.

A Scientific Seminar was held at Kushtia Medical College auditorium. Distinguished participants were Prof. Dr. Deldar Hossain, Principal, Kushtia Medical College, Mr. Mofizur Rahman, Director, BRB Hospitals Ltd. And Renowned Oncologist Prof. Dr. Md. Mofazzel Hossain (Lt Col- Retd)

Keynote Speaker was Prof. Mohammad Ali. He talked on Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery in Bangladesh. This seminar was Chaired by the Principal, Kushtia Medical College. It was participated by Teachers, Doctors and Students of clinical years (3rd to 5th years) of Kushtia Medical College.

Colorful awareness Banners and Festoons were displayed throughout the city. There was wide media coverage of the events of Kushtia Hepatitis Day.

National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh likes to thank the well-organized team of BRB Hospitals Ltd. for their outstanding support to make every event successful.

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Messages of World Hepatitis Day 2022 in Bangladesh

Hon’ble President of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and President of World Hepatitis Alliance gave special messages on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day 2022 in Bangladesh.

All the Messages supported the theme of WHD2022 “Hep Can’t Wait” as proper & meaningful.

They pronounced that, the goal is to eliminate hepatitis worldwide by 2030; which is realistic and achievable with all our combined efforts. In addition to the government, private individuals, organizations and institutions should come forward to prevent hepatitis in the country.

World Hepatitis Day 2022 : "Bangladesh Can't Wait" Seminar

A seminar jointly organized by the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh & Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum on July 24 in the capital on the eve of World Hepatitis Day 2022.Chief Guest was Prof. ABM Khurshid Alam, Director General of Health Services, Govt. of Bangladesh. Attended by Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General, Prof. M Anisur Rahman, Joint Secretary General of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh & Maj Gen. Rabiul Hossain, Former Director General, Bangladesh Armed Forces. Mr. Rashed Rabbi, President & Mr. Mainul Hasan Sohel, Secretary General of Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum participated. Mr. Ataur Rahman Kabul, Journalist also spoke.

Speakers called for urgent need for Awareness, Prevention & Treatment & Control of viral hepatitis in Bangladesh & urged for fulfillment of Elimination 2030 goals. Put special emphasis on Prevention of mother to child transmission of Hepatitis B virus & birth dose. Also told to expand the viral hepatitis awareness & treatment facilities among the rural population of Bangladesh.

A special message was given by President of World Hepatitis Alliance, Danjuma Adda for the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh on this occasion.

World Hepatitis Day 2022 : "Hepatitis Can't Wait" Seminar

World Hepatitis Day 2022 seminar, “Hepatitis Can’t Wait” jointly organized by the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh & Bangladesh Midwifery Society on July 28 in the capital. Chief Guest was Prof. Ferdousi Begum President, Bangladesh Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh.

Attended by Prof. Mohammad Ali, Prof. M Anisur Rahman, Dr Golam Azam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, BIRDEM and Secretary of Scientific Affairs, Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mira Rani Das, Deputy Director, Midwifery, Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery, Govt. of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh and Tammim Akter, Vice President, Bangladesh Midwifery Society.

Other speakers were Sangita Saha Prema, Secretary General, Sharmin Sobnom Joya, Project Manager, Bangladesh Midwifery Society, Nabila Jashim Nuha, Secretary General, Bangladesh Medical Students Society and K.M. Sarful Kawnain, Joint Coordinator, Youth Club of Bangladesh.

Speakers highlighted the various aspects of viral hepatitis prevention and awareness. Especially the Vital role of midwives in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of viral hepatitis.

Discussed preventive measures for mother to child transmission, birth dose vaccination to control the most common mode of Hepatitis B transmission in Bangladesh. Speakers also put emphasis on the protection of midwives from viral hepatitis transmission.

World Hepatitis Day 2022 Testing and Awareness program, “Student Can’t Wait”

National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh & Youth Club of Bangladesh jointly organized Testing and Awareness program at Akij College of Home Economics, Dhaka, on July 28.2022.

Prof. Mohammad Ali and Mrs. Mahmuda Parveen, Vice-Principal, Akij College of Home Economics attended the program.

Free Hepatitis B & C testing done to 150 students of the Home Economics college. They also participated in a Hepatitis Awareness Survey. Hundreds of viral hepatitis awareness leaflets (Nohep) were distributed among the students.

A #HepCan’tWait Photo contest was held, many students put their photo with the #HepCan’tWait poster and # tag on their social media platforms. Among them, the 3 best posts got the winning prizes.

Hep Can’t Wait Awareness Photo and Poster contest

A four-day long  The “Hep Can’t Wait Awareness photo contest” basic concept was to pass the message of “Hep Can’t wait” and “NOhep” to the common people and a “Hep Can’t Wait Poster Competition” topic “Youths Contribution to Prevent Hepatitis” jointly organized by the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh & Bangladesh Medical Students' Society (BMSS) on 24 -28 July on the eve of World Hepatitis Day 2022.

Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH-BMSS) coordinated the grand online and offline awareness campaign as well as a skill-developing poster competition.

Members of BMSS of 11 medical colleges provided the best awareness posters.

“Colonel Malek Medical College Local Committee, BMSS” is the Champion of the competition and the 1st Runner-up  “ZH Sikder Women's Medical College and Hospital Local Committee, BMSS” and the 2nd Runner-up  “Chittagong Medical College Local Committee, BMSS”.

Special television program and print media coverage

A special WHD 2022 television program on aired at ATN Bangla on 28 July 2022. This programme attended by Professor Mohammad Ali, Prof. Salimur Rahman, Former Professor, Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University & President, Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Bangladesh, Professor M Anisur Rahman and Professor Md. Shahinul Alam, Professor, Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and General Secretary, Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Apart from the program at ATN Bangla, there was television coverage in 9 Channels.

WHD 2022 program on News24 and Channel I and Special WHD2022 report at Boishakhi TV, Independent TV, Maasranga TV, Channel 24, Jamuna TV, Ekatoor TV and Akhoni TV.

WHD 2022 Print media coverages, published at Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Daily Kaler Kantha, The Business Standard, The Financial Express, Daily Inqilab, Daily Bhorer Kagoj, Daily Manabzamin, Sarabangla.com,

Photo Album :

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The World Hepatitis Summit 2022 was held from 6th to 10th June. 2022 at The Kofi A. Annan Conference Room, WHO/UNAIDS Building, Geneva, Switzerland. A global audience of civil society groups, World Health Organization and its Member States, patient organisations from the World Hepatitis Alliance’s 318-member groups from more than 100 countries, people living with viral hepatitis B and C, policy-makers, public health scientists and funders had come together virtually and in-person in Geneva, to galvanize the global response to viral hepatitis. The World Hepatitis Summit is organized by World Hepatitis Alliance(WHA) and co-sponsored by World Health Organization (WHO).

World Hepatitis Summit 2022 opens with a high-level panel discussion featuring Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO); Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Charles Gore, Founder President World Hepatitis Alliance, at present   Executive Director, Medicines Patent Pool, Geneva.

Prof. Mohammad Ali, Secretary General of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB) attended the summit in person and share his thoughts regarding viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. Zunaid Murshed Paiker, Chief Coordinator, NLFB also attended the summit.

Prof. Ali participated as Speaker in a session that discussed the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of hepatitis B. Participants of the session included Chukwuemeka Agwuocha, Senior Associate, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nafisa Yussf, Social Researcher, WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Australia  and Devin Razavi-Shearer, Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, USA.

Prof. Ali highlighted “Vaccinations are the best way to control mother-to-child transmission infection” and “Gynecologists and Obstetricians should play a vital role in preventing PMTCT, as well as Women and children's organizations.”

Prof. Ali attended the panel discussion on Hepatitis and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) hosted by Cary James, CEO, World Hepatitis Alliance. Other panellists are Julia Tainijoki Seyer, World Medical Association, Dr Justin Koonin, UHC2030, Australia, Dr José M. Zuniga, IAPAC and Fast-Track Cities Institute, USA, Doug Webb, UNDP, USA, Professor Mohammad Ali, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh and Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, UNITE - Global Parliamentarians Network, Portugal

Prof Ali said, “SDGs goals are intimately related, fulfilment of one affect others. Implementation of SDGs should have with priorities as investment in Viral hepatitis control by the Governments.” He further said. “It will effectively contribute to reach the elimination goals rapidly.”

 He also told that NLFB Stand by the disadvantaged communities in Bangladesh, especially for viral hepatitis issues and

also worked for Rohingya Refugees for awareness, testing and conducted a study.

He also participated as a panelist in the event on “How crowdsourcing can enhance public engagement in hepatitis services” organized by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. (LSHTM) at The Hepatitis Fund Headquarter, Geneva. This event was attended by Charles Gore, Executive Director, Medicines Patent Pool, Dr Meg Doherty Director, Global Hepatitis Program, Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Dr. Funmi Lesi (WHO), Joseph Tucker, UNC, LSHTM, Jessica Hicks, World Hepatitis Alliance, Dan Wu (LSHTM, Sichuan University), Eneyi Kpokiri (LSHTM), Nalinikanta Rajkumar, President of Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), India, Dr. Rita Atugonza, Uganda Ministry of Health, Vivekanandan Shanmugam, Liver Transplant Society of India, Dr. Aninda Rahman, DPM, CDC, Bangladesh, Dr. Tasnia Noor Salim, President Bangladesh Medical Student Society (BMSS), Chris Munoz, Philippines & Zunaid Morshed Paiker, Chief Coordinator, NLFB.

Prof Ali put special emphasis on innovative awareness-building programmes of NLFB in Bangladesh since long time, aiming to reach the unreachable & grass-root activation which is essential to achieve elimination 2030.

Mr. Zunaid Murshed Paiker highlighted the viral hepatitis activities of NLFB and the importance of crowdsourcing initiatives in his oral presentation.

Dr. Tasnia Noor Salim, emphasized the need to engage the youth community on viral hepatitis awareness in Bangladesh.

Dr. Tasnia Noor Salim also chaired a virtual session on Youth Can’t Wait along with Matthew Bonn, Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs. This session was attended by David Urick, Community Living Network, USA, Charles Ampong Adjei, University of Ghana, Ghana, Anika Martin, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, USA, Ronni Marks, The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group, USA, Wole Ameyan, WHO, Switzerland and Professor Manal El Sayed, Ain Shams University, Egypt

Two posters and video presentation by Prof. Mohammad Ali were also highlighted on the virtual portal of the summit titled “Decentralization of viral hepatitis awareness in Bangladesh as Regional Hepatitis Days” and “Find the Missing Millions Campaign in Bangladesh” which were highly appreciated and discussed by the distinguished participants from around the world.

Prof. Mohammad Ali participated as an invited speaker in the Speed-Geeking Sessions of the virtual Pre Summit of World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) on May 31, 2022. He was one of the six invited speakers from the WHA member organizations of the world. He delivered speeches, six times in six virtually created rooms for different regions of the world.

The rooms were Eastern Mediterranean Region, African Region (English speakers), Western Pacific Region + South-East Asia Region, Pan American Region (English speakers), Spanish Speakers (All regions) and French Speakers (All regions). The speeches were translated into Spanish and French languages. Prof. Ali’s speech was on “Viral Hepatitis Awareness on Regional Hepatitis Days in Bangladesh”.

He highlighted the decentralization of viral hepatitis Awareness, reaching the unreachable and grass-roots activation as vital to reaching global Elimination 2030 goals. A large number of member organizations from the world participated in this interactive pre-summit of WHA.

NLFB team got the opportunity to participate in the 15th Anniversary of the founding of World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), in which NLFB is a member since its initiation.    

At this World Hepatitis Summit, the NLFB team had an official meeting with delegates from World Health Organization (WHO), WHO SEARO, World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), Charles Gore, John W. Ward, Director, Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE) USA, The Hepatitis Fund, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. (LSHTM), UK, The International Centre for Migration, Health and Development (ICMHD), Geneva.

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Today, the 23rd. anniversary of the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB). The journey begins on April 15,1999 by a meeting in the house of a benevolent social worker of the country. Realizing the alarming liver disease situation in Bangladesh, a philanthropic organization was initiated with the aim of prevention, treatment, education & research on liver diseases in Bangladesh. This is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. It deals with communicable & non communicable liver diseases. Especially control of viral hepatitis, the most common cause of liver diseases in the nation. The horizon of activities now throughout the nation. Working closely with Government of Bangladesh & have coordination with other philanthropic Liver & Gastro intestinal organizations of the nation. Principal agenda is the grass root activation & reaching the unreachable liver disease affected people, especially in rural Bangladesh.

Working closely as a member of World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), Geneva, since its inception in 2007. Member of Bangladesh Network for Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (BNNCP). Engaged for making a hospital for liver diseases at the Govt. donated land at Sylhet, an outpatient department has already been constructed. The viral hepatitis control activities also extended among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh. Study of NLFB showing high prevalence of Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh, published as original article at the Clinical Liver Disease (CLD), the Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in January 2022.

NLFB has earned a good reputation in the national & international arena.

Prof. Mohammad Ali, founder of NLFB received the Elimination Champion 2021 Award from the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, USA as recognition of his relentless work along with NLFB for viral hepatitis control in Bangladesh

We continued our activities during COVID pandemic. Mission of NLFB to control all kinds of liver diseases in Bangladesh specially to reach the viral hepatitis Elimination 2030 goals in Bangladesh.

On this day we heavy heartedly remember those dedicated founders, advisers, members, supporters & contributors, who persistently worked & supported for years together with deep devotion for maintaining & upholding the activities of NLFB. Their loss will never be recovered by any means, we wholeheartedly wish Jannah for the departed souls

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National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, World Hepatitis Alliance and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine jointly organized Global Hep Contest Meeting on “What can be done to eliminate viral hepatitis in Bangladesh” at The Daily Star Center, Dhaka on Friday, 25 March 2022.
It was participated by renowned hepatologists, Gastroenterologists, representative of Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Bangladesh, experts from World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. (LSHTM)

In 2016, WHO's Global Health Sector Strategy outlined plans to eliminate viral hepatitis as a threat to public health, setting a target of a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% reduction in viral hepatitis-related mortality by 2030. It is estimated to save more than 7 million lives, including 1.5 million liver cancer deaths.
About 10 million people in Bangladesh are living with viral hepatitis, causing 20,000 deaths annually. Hepatitis B & C are the major cause of liver cancer, the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in Bangladesh.
The key interventional areas of viral hepatitis elimination in Bangladesh were the focal points of the meeting. Elimination of each focal areas individually, will collectively eliminate viral hepatitis in the nation.
Distinguished speakers from home & abroad spoke on the vital elimination strategies. Topics include: Overview of the Global Hepatitis Open Call, Viral hepatitis: Bangladesh Perspective, Viral Hepatitis Control Strategy in Bangladesh, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HBV, Testing & Vaccination of HBV & HCV, Treatment of Hepatitis B & C in Bangladesh, Blood Transfusion and Surgical Safety, Injection Safety and harm reduction, stigma & discrimination were the focusses.
Transmission from hepatitis B infected mother to child (most important way HBV transmission) Unsafe blood transfusion, hazardous uses of medical equipment, sharing injection needles, unprotected sex are major risk factors for spreading hepatitis B &C in Bangladesh, experts viewed at the discussion.

Major obstacles to eliminating the viral hepatitis are Inadequate HepB birth dose vaccination, deficient alertness about testing of viral hepatitis during pregnancy, short of awareness about hepatitis & its testing, limited access to treatment among mass people.
In addition, misinformation, traditional treatment, stigmatization and discrimination against infected people are additional factors, which compound the elimination strategy, the speakers said. The situation is more complex in rural Bangladesh where majority people (> 64%) people of the nation are residing. Most of them are unaware about hepatitis B & C and its consequences.
All infants at birth, all children, dialysis patients, blood donors, surgical & dental stuff, nurses, people engaged in hazardous work coming contact with blood & blood products, sex workers & risk groups must be prioritized in awareness &vaccination
A Study of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh found that I in 5 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh infected with Hepatitis C, which is 18 times higher than host community.
Out of 50,000 pregnant Rohingya women, 8% of them found positive with Hepatitis C virus. It is a serious concern for them & for the host community, Bangladesh. The study recently published in a well circulated international journal. Government & international organizations should come forward to control this high prevalence of HBV & HCV among Rohingya refugees.
Story of two recipients of Zakat Fund programme of NLFB, Muslima Kader Mili (Hepatitis C survivor), listed in the top ten winners & Mahfuzur Rahman (Hepatitis B Carrier) listed in the top thirty winners of global “Nohep stories contest 2021” of Nohep movement of WHA & LSHTM. Videos of their stories of getting infection, long suffering, discrimination, receive of successful treatment & their messages displayed.
Major interventions for achieving elimination goals in Bangladesh are incorporation of HepB birth dose vaccination, compulsory child hood vaccination under 5 yrs.(to achieve <0.1% goal), catch up vaccination, scale up of mass awareness & testing of pregnant woman (Prevention of mother to child transmission of HBV), Grass root activation (especially commoners at rural Bangladesh), Population-wide testing , treatment facilities, free treatment for underprivileged, unreachable communities to be reached, easy availability of anti-viral drugs, vaccine & immunoglobulins, Investigations at affordable cost, harm reduction, stigma & discrimination should be dealt. Scale up of existing interventions. Global fund allocation.
National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh (NLFB) is involved to control every elimination strategy in Bangladesh from long time. Closely working with WHA since its inception. Engaged in addressing the core interventional areas in rural and urban Bangladesh. Working to support every endeavor of the Govt. to achieve elimination 2030 goals.
Different Associations & Societies affiliated with Liver & Gastrointestinal diseases in Bangladesh also involved & working for control of viral hepatitis in Bangladesh.

Government of Bangladesh is committed & engaged in fulfilment elimination goals. Activities of Govt. aim at reducing 90% of viral hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh by 2030
We firmly believe that together we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Bangladesh by 2030.

Participants from Bangladesh:
Prof. Mohammad Ali, Founder, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh,
Dr. Afsana Alamgir Khan, Assistant Director. Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Bangladesh.
Prof. M Anisur Rahman, former Professor and Head, Dept. of Gastro intestinal Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Disorders (GHPD), BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka & Joint Secretary General, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh,
Prof. Salimur Rahman, Former Professor of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and President, Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases, Bangladesh.
Maj Gen. Rabiul Hossain (Retd.) Former Director General, Medical Services, Bangladesh Armed Forces,
Prof. Faruque Ahmed, Director, Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Research Institute and Hospital & General Secretary, Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society.
Prof. Md. Abu Sayeed, Former Head, Dept. of Medicine, Chittagong Medical College and Vice President, Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Prof. Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Professor, Dept. of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University & General Secretary, Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
Dr. Golam Azam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Gastro intestinal Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Disorders (GHPD), BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka
Dr. Faruque Ahmed, Head, Dept. of Hepatology. Dhaka Medical College & Hospital.
Prof. Syed Alamgir Safwath, Professor & head, Dept. of Gastroenterology, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Tasnia Noor President, Bangladesh Medical Student Society.
Participants from abroad:
Jessica Hicks & Cynthia Pokuah of World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA).
Eneyi Kpokiri , Dan Wu & Joseph Tucker of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Doctors, Medical students, members of youth club, print & electronic media personals attended.

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Celebration of 2nd Anniversary of 3rd Successful Liver transplant of BADAS on February 13.2022.
Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS)celebrated the 2nd anniversary of its 3rd successful Liver transplant on February 13,2022. It was held at the conference room of BIRDEM General Hospital. Attended by members of the Liver transplant team, doctors, nurses & other supporting team members of BIRDEM General Hospital & Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute (ICHRI).Dhaka.


The celebration was Chaired by Prof. AK Azad Khan, President BADAS, Participated by Mr. Sayef Uddin, Secretary General BADAS, Prof. M.K. I Quayyum Choudhury, DG, BIRDEM General Hospital, Prof. MA. Rashid, CEO, ICHRI & others.


Advocate Shoriful Islam, who donated part of his liver to his beloved mother, Mrs. Jahan Ara Begum on February 13.2020 attended. The donor & recipient had uncomplicated recovery & passed normal life in the last two years. Mr. Shoriful is back to his practice of law & his mother has normal daily activities. Prof. Mohammad Ali welcomed everyone & gave the keynote speech.


Mr. Shoriful Islam narrated the story of long suffering of his mother with liver cirrhosis. Finally ended up with Liver transplantation & donation of part of his liver to his beloved mother. He expressed thanks to BIRDEM General Hospital, Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute (ICHRI & every member of the Liver transplant team for making it successful. Expressed thanks to Prof. Subhash Gupta & his team for kind participation. Prof. Kawsar Sardar, Head of Anesthesiology, BIRDEM General Hospital offered thanks to everyone on behalf of the Liver transplant team.


A video of brief presentation of the Liver transplant with message from the recipient was displayed.
Every one wished for a long healthy life for both the recipient & donor. 

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