Free Hepatitis B Screening In Collaboration With Amen Scientific Herbal Hospital @ Madina-Zongo

Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

The liver is located on the right upper quadrant of your abdomen. It performs many critical functions that affect metabolism throughout your body, including:

·         bile production that’s essential to digestion

·         filtering of toxins from the body

·         excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs

·         metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins

·         activation of enzymes, which are specialized proteins essential to metabolic functions

·         storage of glycogen, minerals, and vitamins (A, D, E, and K)

·         synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin

·         synthesis of clotting factors

Across the country, millions of Ghanaians are living with hepatitis B. As many as three-fourths of Ghanaians living with the disease are unaware of their status and are not receiving care and treatment. Raising awareness about hepatitis B is crucial to effectively stemming the tide of new infections, ensuring that those affected receive proper treatment, and fighting any societal stigma.

Hepatitis B virus is the cause of a growing number of new liver cancer cases and liver transplants world-wide. In Ghana, hepatitis B is a leading infectious cause of death; claiming the lives of millions of Ghanaian each year.

We must work to reduce the stigma surrounding hepatitis, and to ensure that testing, information, counseling, and treatment are available to all who need it. These goals can be achieved by raising public awareness of this life-threatening disease. The hard work and dedication of health-care professionals, researchers, and advocates will help bring us closer to this goal. We renew our support for those living with hepatitis, and for their families, friends, and communities who are working to create a brighter, healthier future.