The incidence of Hepatitis B seems to be higher than other diseases among Burmese migrants living in India's northeastern State of Mizoram . This was revealed in a recently concluded blood sample test conducted by a humanitarian society.
The blood tests conducted between August 2005 to August 2006 by the Samaritan Society of Mizoram among 135 Burmese migrants living in and around Mizoram's capital Aizawl, shows that prevalence of Hepatitis B is higher than other diseases among the Burmese migrant populace .
The society's statistics show that there were 12.5 percent Hepatitis B positive cases while there were only 2.22 percent HIV positive cases from the blood tests conducted. The blood tests, reportedly covers most of the Burmese migrants in Mizoram.
Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS are transmitted through unprotected sex, blood transfusion, needle sharing while using drugs and from infected pregnant mothers to children.
Lalhruaizela Hmar, an outreach worker caring for Burmese migrants, said the group has been conducting awareness campaigns and blood sample collection and has found Burmese migrants cooperating.
Dr. Margareth M Varte, Medical officer-cum-Secretary of Samaritan, said, "Burmese migrants have been cooperative in this venture. Some of them approach us for free blood sample tests at our offices."
Dismissing the probability that Burmese migrants are infected after arriving in Mizoram, Dr. Varte said, "the personal history of an infected migrant cannot be determined. He or she may be infected at some point of time somewhere else before coming to Mizoram."
The Samaritan Society said the vulnerability of infection through 'unprotected sex' among Burmese migrants is much higher than that of infection through drug use.
"Social or religious values may have made the migrants reluctant to receive free condoms being distributed," Lalhruaizela said.
The Samaritan Society of Mizoram has been working to promote awareness and prevention of blood related infectious diseases for over 20 years. The group also works in cooperation with other NGO's and the government, and traditionally donates Christmas gifts to poor children. The Society extended its work among Burmese migrants since August 2005.
Source: News – Mizzima News | Written by Muana | Wednesday, 11 October 2006