Randerson brings Hepatitis testing to Senedd.

11.59.46am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2008

Welsh Lib Dem Spokesperson for Health Jenny Randerson AM today welcomed the Hepatitis C Trust to the Senedd to run a testing event for AMs marking World Hepatitis Day.

It is estimated that there are between 230,000 and 466,000 people living 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.)

Today's event, sponsored by Jenny Randerson gives AMs the chance to be tested for Hepatitis B and C and crucially, to raise awareness of the condition amongst their constituents.

Wales is still waiting for a final Hepatitis Action Plan, despite a draft, being released in November. Scotland introduced a plan in 2006 and England in 2004.

Jenny Randerson AM said: "Today was a great opportunity to raise the profile of this "silent killer." Around 1 in 12 of the world's population are infected with chronic hepatitis B or C and this number is rising steadily, including in the UK."

"I hope that this event will raise the issue in people's minds and encourage AM's constituents to be tested if they feel they may be at risk."

"I really hope that WAG comes forward with its final action plan very quickly. Hepatitis is treatable but if the current situation remains, it is likely to become a public health timebomb. The plan needs finalizing and funding as quickly as possible."

Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said:

"I am delighted that AMs have shown their commitment to World Hepatitis Day by getting hepatitis B and C tests.

"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."

Ends/diwedd

Notes.

1. More about World Hepatitis Day:

19 May 2008 will be the first global World Hepatitis Day

Over 200 patient groups on all continents will be organising campaigning and awareness activities on May 19th, encouraging people to ask themselves, 'am I number 12?'

More details can be found at www.aminumber12.org  

2. More about hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that principally affects the liver

Liver damage occurs slowly over 20-30 years and can lead to liver scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis and ultimately to liver cancer or liver failure and death

It can be symptom-less which has led hepatitis C to be termed 'The Silent Epidemic'

There are estimated to be between 231,000 (Health Protection Agency) to 466,000 (University of Southampton research) infected with hepatitis C in England

Yearly deaths from hepatitis C have trebled in the last 10 years

There is no vaccine but treatment is available which can cure the disease in around half of patients

More details about hepatitis C can be found at www.hepctrust.org.uk

Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood to blood contact. You can assess your risk by asking the following questions:

Have you had a blood transfusion before September 1991?

Have you had a medical or dental procedure in a developing country?

Have you had a tattoo, a piercing or acupuncture in unlicensed premises?

Have you ever injected drugs, including steroids, even once?

Have you regularly shared notes or straws for snorting cocaine?

Have you regularly shared razors or toothbrushes with anyone who might have been at risk for any for the reasons above?

The Hepatitis C Trust's helpline: 0845 223 4424

3. More about hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is transmitted by exposure (through broken skin or mucous membrane) to infected blood and other body fluids 

In areas of the world where hepatitis B infection is highly endemic the virus is mainly spread from mother to baby at birth or from person to person (via skin grazes etc) in early childhood 

A safe and effective vaccination is available against hepatitis B infection.  Eighty-five per cent of countries in the world have implemented universal hepatitis B vaccination but the UK operates selective vaccination of high-risk groups

More details about hepatitis B can be found at www.hepb.org.uk