channel 4 health news
Up to one in 12 people worldwide are infected with either hepatitis B or C, figures revealed.
More than 1.5 million die as a result of the illnesses, according to statistics compiled by the The World Hepatitis Alliance, a newly formed Non-Governmental Organisation.
The report, which coincides with the first World Hepatitis Day, showed that an estimated 500 million people in the world are infected with either hepatitis B or C, viral infections transmitted in the blood which cause inflammation of the liver.
Charles Gore, president of the World Hepatitis Alliance and chief executive of the UK charity the Hepatitis C Trust, said: "These diseases are as widespread and as deadly as HIV/Aids, TB and malaria, but there is nowhere near the level of awareness nor the political will to tackle them. This must change because this huge death toll is largely preventable."
"Globally, information is so scarce that it is a major impediment to effective action. Without it Governments are simply working in the dark,"
In the UK it is estimated between 280,000 and 515,000 people have hepatitis C and up to 320,000 have hepatitis B, according to figures released last year by the Health Protection Agency.
There is considerable dispute about the exact number however as most people with these viruses are not aware that they have them.
Hepatitis B is spread through the exchange of blood and body fluids. It can be caught through unprotected sex, unsterilised needles or contaminated blood products. Hepatitis C is also spread through the exchange of blood or blood products and through sharing needles..
As part of a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of the disease and the need for testing, MPs in Westminster, MSPs in Scotland and Assembly Members in Wales are themselves getting tested for hepatitis B and C.
Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health, said: "I welcome World Hepatitis Day as a means of raising awareness of the importance of preventing, diagnosing and treating hepatitis B and C, which are important public health issues."
