Early detection of Hepatitis B essential - Doctor

Dr Samuel Asiamah Takyi, Medical Director of Life Essentials Clinic, has urged Ghanaians to go for regular check-ups for the early detection and treatment of Hepatitis B.

He says Hepatitis B becomes deadly when detected late because the virus affects the liver cells or the hepatocytes and damages the whole body system.

Dr Takyi made this known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the clinic had organised a programme to sensitise the general public on the need for regular check-ups and the dangers of Hepatitis B at its premises at Petroleum Estates, near New Achimota in Accra.

He said Hepatitis B was spreading at an alarming rate in the country and that it was easily transmitted from one person to another.

“One should be careful in handling sharp objects like needles and knifes and avoid unprotected sex,” he said.

Dr Takyi said Hepatitis B had become endemic in Asia and Africa adding that one-third of the world’s population had been infected at one point in their lives while 350 million people were chronic carriers.

Mr Solomon Addae, a Nutritionist at the Clinic, urged the public to stick to green leafy vegetables and avoid foods containing saturated fats.