To support the first ever World Hepatitis Day, local AM JOYCE WATSON has taken a hepatitis B and C test to help raise awareness of the shocking fact that approximately 1 in 12 of the world population are infected with chronic hepatitis B or C.
Hepatitis C is often known as the ‘silent killer’ as people can live with it undiagnosed and without symptoms for many years. Most people with hepatitis B or C are undiagnosed and Joyce hopes that by getting tested, she will encourage people across Mid and West Wales to get a test if they think they have been at risk of contracting either of the potentially deadly diseases.
Approximately 14,700 people in Wales are affected yet just 67 Welsh people were treated in 2005. It is estimated that 230,000-466,000 people live with hepatitis C in England and Wales, but less than 70,000 have been diagnosed. Around 320,000 people are living with hepatitis B in the UK, and this number is increasing (figures from the HPA, The Hepatitis C Trust and The Hepatitis B Foundation).
Mid and West Wales AM, JOYCE WATSON, said:
"I am delighted to show my support for World Hepatitis Day by getting a hepatitis B and C test. Around half a million people in Britain are infected, while almost 500 million people in the world have hepatitis B or C. These are serious diseases which kill 1.5 million people a year – the 10th leading cause of death worldwide.
"Worryingly, most people don’t understand infection risks and the great majority of those infected are unaware of their status. If you think you may have been at risk of contracting either hepatitis B or C, then ask your GP for a test."
Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said:
"I am delighted that Joyce Watson AM has shown her commitment to World Hepatitis Day by getting a hepatitis B and C test.
"The lack of awareness about viral hepatitis in the UK and abroad is causing huge numbers of preventable deaths. I hope that World Hepatitis Day will focus attention on these neglected diseases. Countless lives could be saved if more people got tested, diagnosed and then received the care, support and treatment they are entitled to."
20th May 2008
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