MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo Markin has commissioned an office for the testing, vaccination and management of hepatitis B in the Effutu Constituency.

In 2023, the MP voted one million Ghana cedis (GH1 million) to help fight the Hepatitis B virus after many people died through the disease in the Effutu Constituency.

During the commissioning of the project, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin emphasised the importance of dispelling misconceptions surrounding Hepatitis B. He urged residents to refrain from attributing the disease to spiritual causes and instead encouraged them to seek medical attention for testing, treatment, or management.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Majority Leader revealed that out of the 14,000 individuals tested for Hepatitis in the constituency, nearly 1,000 have tested positive for the disease. "Today, we've opened this office, an office that has all it takes to continue with the testing of our people for this deadly Hepatitis B virus," he stated, emphasising the significance of raising awareness about the virus and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The MP reiterated his dedication to ensuring the health of the people, particularly the youth, who play a crucial role in supporting the local economy. He emphasised the seriousness of Hepatitis B, likening it to HIV/AIDS in terms of its lethality if left untreated. "Hepatitis B is more deadly than HIV/AIDS that we all fear because once it tackles your liver, you may not even be aware but by the time it starts to manifest, perhaps, you may be gone," he cautioned.

The Effutu MP also announced his commitment to covering the costs of testing and vaccination for the youth, urging them to prioritize their health. "I will continue to encourage the youth to test. If they are negative, they should immediately vaccinate. I have taken the cost of the vaccination and the testing," Markin assured, expressing his personal connection to the issue and his desire to prevent further loss of lives.

Mr Markin cautioned against the indiscriminate use of herbal treatments for Hepatitis B, citing potential risks to liver health and increased viral load. He emphasised the importance of seeking medical advice and adhering to prescribed treatments for optimal health outcomes.

Project Manager of Mumbies Foundation, Israel Adorbley, who is in charge of the Hepatitis B testing appealed to the Ghana Health Service to add Hepatitis B to the list of diseases covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme since it's dangerous and spreads faster than HIV/AIDS.