As part of its cooperate social responsibility (CSR), Global medical laboratory a Tamale based medical lab has offered free hepatitis B and C screening for members of the general public in marking the World hepatitis Day celebration.
Women and men alike were seen trooping into the laboratory to get screened for both hepatitis B and C, and also to receive medical advice on what they should be doing next in the fight against hepatitis.
July 28th yearly have been set aside by the World Health Organization (WHO), to sensitize the public on the adverse effects of hepatitis and get people tested and vaccinated.
In an interview with FiilaNews, Mr. Seth Kuntah CEO of Global medical laboratory noted that the free screening is their small way of giving back to society and their support to the W.H.O’s quest to eradicate viral hepatitis by 2030.
Over 150 people were already screened at the time FiilaNews visited the center but Mr. Kuntah is hopeful the numbers will reach over 200 by close of day.
Mr. Kuntah has made a passionate call to the general public to get tested for hepatitis and vaccinate or get treated if they test positive, noting that hepatitis is curable.
He is meanwhile worried about the limited awareness in recent times about the viral infection and is appealing to the public to visit global medical laboratory located adjacent the tamale central hospital to get tested and vaccinated against this deadly disease.
This year’s theme, “Bringing hepatitis care closer to you”, aims to raise awareness about the need to simplify and bring hepatitis care to primary health facilities, community-based venues and locations beyond hospital sites, so that care is closer to communities and people wherever they are.
The new Global Health Sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections for the period 2022-2030 emphasizes the importance of person-centered care and alignment of systems and integration of services to reach the goal of elimination by 2030.
To achieve hepatitis elimination at least 60% of people living with hepatitis B and C must be diagnosed and at least 50% eligible for treatment must be cured (hepatitis C) or receiving treatment (hepatitis B) by 2025.
For this to happen, those in need must have access to hepatitis services that are accessible, and that are equitable, effective, efficient, timely and of an acceptable quality.
Source:Fiilafmonline/ShawanaYussif
