A healthcare technology company, mPharma has launched about 200 free rapid hepatitis B (HBV) tests to mark World Hepatitis Day.

This year's World Hepatitis Day is being commemorated under the theme, “find the missing millions”, hence mPharma is leading the charge with an awareness and testing campaign to find the ‘missing millions’ in Ghana by finding the undiagnosed and linking them to treatment. 

According to research, Ghana is classified as one of the high risked countries where the prevalence of HBV infections is estimated to be 12.3 per cent. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that only one in 10 people in Africa have access to testing and treatment.

Therefore, the initiative of mPharma to educate people about the diseases, support them to understand the condition and highlight the importance of accessing timely testing.

mPharma will also roll out target testing focusing on pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV and children below the age of six who are extremely vulnerable to developing chronic infection.

Co-founder and CEO of mPharma, Gregory Rockson said: “Hepatitis B remains a public health burden in Ghana and across Africa and mPharma is doing everything we can to contribute.

“Our people are working tirelessly to build an Africa in good health and we see the continent’s viral hepatitis problem as one that must be tackled as a matter of urgency.

"We are excited to launch the free rapid testing campaign to raise awareness on the need to expand voluntary testing by making it affordable and accessible for everyone.”

The free HBV testing will be available at Fresh Spring Pharmacy in Tema Community solely to individuals who schedule appointment by calling 0244358038.

mPharma is a technology-driven healthcare company with vendor managed inventory and retail pharmacy operations in five African countries.