Accra, Nov. 5 GNA - The current Miss Ghana Mawusi Apea has called on the Ghana AIDS Commission to add Hepatitis B to its HIV campaign. Ms Apea, who wants to start a foundation to help raise awareness to help people living with the disease, is embarking on a campaign on the disease during and after her reign as Miss Ghana.

During the campaign she would tour selected towns and villages in Greater Accra and its environs, market places and schools to educate the people about the disease as well as the need for them to check their status and get those who tested negative vaccinated. On her campaign to raise awareness, talks would be organized at all shop points and one-on-one counselling before and after screening, which will be carried out by medical team.

Hepatitis B virus infection is highly endemic with eight to ten per cent of people suffering from chronic Hepatitis B infection. A research carried out by Peter Segbor shows that the prevalence in Ghana is estimated to be 10-15 per cent which means out of 100 people 10-15 individuals are infected. In Ghana, there is no awareness on the effects of the disease.

Transmission of the Hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions and re-use of contaminated needles and syringes. Ms Apea visited Akosombo International School to educate the students on the disease. During her visit the students were tested and they will be vaccinated on her next trip to the school. The Volta River Authority donated 50 testing kits to her team.