Accra, May 19, GNA - Miss Ghana 2008, Mawuse Appea on Tuesday called on Government to include vaccination against Hepatitis B in the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that many Ghanaians get tested and vaccinated.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Larry Hagan, Communication Director of Miss Ghana, stated that Ghanaians must check their status and get vaccinated immediately they tested negative. "People who are tested positive can be treated in Ghana, " she said.

Ms Ghana urged Ghanaians to get the three shots needed to prevent them from getting the virus. Women, who are carriers of the virus, should get the H-BIG shot and the Hepatitis B shot within 12 hours of birth. Research has shown that nine out of 10 babies born to infected mothers end up being carriers for the rest of their lives. Mothers should therefore make sure their babies get all the three shots and the H-BIG shot because they have 95 per cent chance of being safe from Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is a serious blood borne disease that affects the liver. The disease is transmitted through exchange of body fluid such as sweat, saliva, breast milk, through kissing, breast feeding and sharing of personal effects such as cups and cutlery.

The virus can stay in one's blood for months and years. Research has shown that nine out 10 adults with acute Hepatitis B could get rid of the virus from their bodies after a few months while one of 10 adults with chronic Hepatitis B can never get rid the virus from their bodies. The World Hepatitis B day, which falls on May 19, is aimed at raising awareness on the disease worldwide. The theme for his year's celebration is "Am 1 Number 12?" Which means 1 out of 12 people worldwide is living with either chronic Hepatitis B or C.