A total of 48 children have tested positive for the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), according to the Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.This figure is part of the 405 positive test results out of the 2,106 individuals screened for the virus. Among those affected are 68 pregnant women and 189 young adults.

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Mr Afenyo-Markin shared this information during a town hall meeting and encouraged residents to participate in screening and vaccination programs.“We have got some alarming figures in the area of health. This is because a healthy body brings a healthy nation. 2106 of people were screened and 405 tested positive for the virus. This includes 68 pregnant women, 148 children, and 189 youth.

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“Hepatitis B destroys our liver and may not show signs until it reaches the chronic stage. A lot of our people are dying slowly from this disease. But as a Member of Parliament, I can’t sit and watch this destroy my constituency," he said.

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Mr Afenyo-Markin has therefore committed an amount of GHS1million, in support of the Mumbies Foundation, a health-focused non-governmental organization, to help with the screening and vaccination of people within the constituency. "I encourage all to take part in the exercise,” he said.

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According to a press release issued by the Mumbies Foundation and endorsed by its Project Manager, Israel Adorbley, the initiative, known as the HepaGuard Project, aims to safeguard liver health, enhance public awareness, and create a lasting impact in the Effutu Municipality and surrounding areas.Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver.

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HBV is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. It can be spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or other drug injection equipment, from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth, or through contact with contaminated items such as razors or toothbrushes.HBV infection can be acute or chronic.

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Acute infection is a short-term illness that can lead to symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Many people with acute HBV infection recover on their own. However, some individuals develop chronic HBV infection, which can lead to long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer.Hepatitis B is preventable with a highly effective vaccine.

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Vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth and for individuals at risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and those who use injectable drugs.Hepatitis B is a global health concern. It is estimated that over 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV, leading to more than 800,000 deaths each year due to complications like cirrhosis and liver

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cancer.

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