Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander, has inaugurated an office dedicated to testing, vaccination, and managing hepatitis B in the Effutu Constituency.
In 2023, Afenyo Markin allocated one million Ghana cedis (GH1 million) towards combating the Hepatitis B virus, following numerous fatalities from the disease in the Effutu Constituency.
During the unveiling of the project, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin underscored the importance of dispelling misconceptions surrounding Hepatitis B. He urged residents to refrain from attributing the disease to spiritual causes and instead encouraged them to seek medical attention for testing, treatment, or management.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Majority Leader revealed that out of the 14,000 individuals tested for Hepatitis in the constituency, nearly 1,000 have tested positive for the disease.
“Today, we’ve opened this office, an office that has all it takes to continue with the testing of our people for this deadly Hepatitis B virus,” he stated, emphasising the significance of raising awareness about the virus and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The MP reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the health of the populace, with a particular focus on the youth, who are vital contributors to the local economy.
Stressing the severity of Hepatitis B, he drew parallels between its lethality and that of HIV/AIDS if not properly addressed.
“Hepatitis B is more deadly than HIV/AIDS that we all fear because once it tackles your liver, you may not even be aware but by the time it starts to manifest, perhaps, you may be gone,” he cautioned.
Additionally, the MP for Effutu declared his dedication to covering the expenses associated with testing and vaccination for the youth, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being.
“I will continue to encourage the youth to test. If they are negative, they should immediately vaccinate. I have taken the cost of the vaccination and the testing,” Markin assured, expressing his personal connection to the issue and his desire to prevent further loss of lives.
Mr. Markin warned against the indiscriminate utilization of herbal remedies for Hepatitis B, highlighting potential hazards to liver function and the elevation of viral load.
He underscored the significance of consulting medical professionals and following prescribed treatments for optimal health outcomes.
Israel Adorbley, the Project Manager of Mumbies Foundation overseeing the Hepatitis B testing initiative, appealed to the Ghana Health Service to include Hepatitis B in the list of diseases covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme, citing its rapid spread and dangerous nature compared to HIV/AIDS.