Bashundhara Shuvosangho Patiya upazila unit organised a daylong Hepatitis B screening and vaccination campaign at Khanmohona Government Primary School with support from Saleh Ahmad Hasan Banu Foundation.

More than 200 people participated in the initiative, which included free blood tests and medical consultations. Doctors advised those identified at risk to take regular treatment. Organisers also distributed health leaflets and awareness messages among participants.

South Bhurshi Union Parishad panel chairman SM Shahjahan, Hasan Banu Foundation chairman Shakhawat Hossain Hiru, Patiya Press Club president Abdul Hakim Rana, Bashundhara Shuvosangho Chattogram Unit president SM Jewel, and several Shuvosangho members, including Muhammad Elias, Sirajul Islam, Mizan Hossain Babul, and Abdur Rahim, attended the event.

Doctors explained that Hepatitis B, often called a “silent killer,” spreads through blood and other body fluids and can remain undetected for years while causing severe liver damage. The disease significantly increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer, weakens immunity, and reduces patients’ ability to work, creating social and family burdens.

SM Shahjahan praised the initiative, saying, “Such healthcare services are rare in our area. Most villagers cannot afford to travel to the city for tests. Today’s campaign has been extremely helpful.”

Bashundhara Shuvosangho Chattogram president SMA Jewel emphasised, “Without awareness, preventing a deadly disease like Hepatitis B is impossible. We want rural people to get regular checkups and vaccines. We plan to expand this campaign further.”

Abdul Hakim Rana, president of Patiya Press Club, thanked Shuvosangho and Hasan Banu Foundation for arranging the program, calling it “a milestone for the community.”

Local participant Md Sirajul Islam said, “We villagers didn’t realize Hepatitis B was so dangerous. After today’s test, we will encourage our family members to get screened too.”

Shakhawat Hossain Hiru, chairman of Hasan Banu Foundation, noted, “We always want to serve people. Thanks to Shuvosangho for partnering with us. More than 200 people took part today. Our effort will succeed if we can build a healthier society through awareness.”

Organisers announced that similar campaigns would continue in schools and communities across the region to strengthen health awareness and prevention.