MP in Launch of Hepatitis Awareness Day                                                                              

Neil Gerrard, MP for Walthamstow, hosted a meeting at the House of Commons to launch the first National Hepatitis C Awareness Day, which was on 1^st July. The launch is being organised by the National Hepatitis C Resource Centre in partnership with the Hepatitis C Trust.

"Very few people are aware of the dangers of Hepatitis C and the need for testing for anyone who may be at risk" said Mr Gerrard. "Infection can lead to serious liver diseases, including cirrhosis and cancer, and can easily be fatal if not treated in time. The number of people infected in the UK is estimated to be at least 200,000 and may be as high as 400,000, but only about 10% of those infected have been diagnosed."

"Hepatitis C can take years to cause liver damage, so many of those infected do not realise until they become seriously ill, and may then be untreatable. We need much greater awareness of the dangers of infection, including among healthcare professionals, so that the symptoms are recognised and people offered treatment."

At the meeting a best practice guide for London was launched, which has the support of Ken Livingstone, London’s Mayor, who has promised the support of his office to make sure it is implemented across London.

June 2003

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