Ghana marks World Hepatitis Day

Accra, May, GNA – Ghana marked the 2010 World Hepatitis Day, in Accra with a symposium on the disease that causes inflammation of the liver, its prevention and management.  There was also a free screening of people to know their status.  The programme, which was jointly organised by Ghana Hepatitis Society of Ghana (HEPSOG) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), focussed on teachers and personnel of the National Ambulance Service (GNAS).

Mr Stephen Corquaye, Executive Member of PSGH said the prevalent rate of Hepatitis B, is between seven and 10 per cent in the country.  He stressed the need for Ghana: “To shout aloud to treat people with the disease and prevent others from contracting it.” Giving a presentation on the prevention and management of Hepatitis B, he said vaccination offered protection against the disease.

Mrs Helen Sam also with PSGH said the association had emphasised on public health during the past five years to create awareness about the disease.

Dr Kofi Nkrumah, President of HEPSOG said countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are vulnerable to the disease, which is causing a drain on the economy and affecting productivity.  He said People Living with HIV/AIDS and suffering from Hepatitis B were worse off.

Dr Ahmed Zakaria, Director of GNAS said screening for Hepatitis was very vital to prevent some of the irreversible damage the disease could cause to the liver.

Dr Timothy Acheampong, a lecturer at the Ghana Medical School of the University of Ghana, who gave a presentation on “What is Hepatitis B?” said 95 per cent of infection is among adults.  He said the risk factors for the disease progression include excessive use of alcohol and unprotected sex.

Dr Acheampong said symptoms of Hepatitis B include yellow coloration of the eyes or jaundice, passing of pale stools and dark urine.  He said the main mode of transmission include the coming into contact with blood, drug abuse, use of razors , body piercing and tattoos.

Mrs Irene Duncan –Adanusa, General Secretary of Ghana National Association of Teachers asked HEPSOG and PSGH to include the cluster of schools in their awareness creation on the disease to ensure wider coverage.

GNA