The Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency who doubles as the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been honoured for his commitment and resilience towards ensuring that Hepatitis B is completely eradicated in the Effutu enclave.
The MP was awarded with a plague by Mumbies Foundation Ghana, an NGO which has set itself out to lead the fight against the disease during the World Hepatitis day celebration in Winneba.
Receiving the award on behalf of the MP, Municipal Chief Executive for Effutu, Alhaji Kassim Zubeiru indicated that the MP will continue to lead the fight against the disease as many more innocent people are killed yearly by it.
“The MP has always indicated his support towards fighting this silent killer and also help raise awareness of the disease. He also played a key role by supporting the NGO to run several random tests within the Municipality and administer vaccines,” the MCE said.
According to Mumbies Foundation Ghana, although the disease is on the ascendency in the enclave, the MP’s support towards ensuring the total eradication of the disease comes in handy.
The Foundation says 83 cases of Hepatitis B were recorded in Winneba in 2020,the number increased to 91 in 2021 but in the first half of the year the number of persons infected by the disease alone has risen to 56 raising red flags.
The foundation is happy with the extent of support, particularly from the MP for the area.
The Foundation says there have been instances where persons within the municipality accused them of taking blood samples of patients for money rituals instead of testing for the disease.
Others also attribute symptoms of Hepatitis B to some spiritual curses from the gods and don’t offer the needed support to persons who have been infected by the disease.
“I remember just a few days ago when we were about to do a sensitization exercise on a radio, someone heard of us on the radio and instead accused us of taking blood samples of patients for money rituals instead of the testing.”
People also associate the sickness to some curses from the gods and avoid the company of persons who have been infected,” Isreal Adorbley project manager for Mumbies Foundation told Citi News.
“These things also contribute to the numbers increasing in the Effutu enclave. In 2020 alone we recorded 83 cases of Hepatitis B, the number increased to 91 in 2021 but in the first half of the year alone the number of persons infected moved to 56 and these are potential red flags. The fight against this disease is not a one-man thing, and we appreciate the efforts of the Member of Parliament for the area Alex Afenyo-Markin for his immense support towards ensuring that the fight is won against the disease,” project manager of the foundation said.
The Project Manager of Mumbies Foundation Ghana in his speech at the celebration and official launch of the foundation which coincided with the world Hepatitis day celebration under the theme “bringing Hepatitis care closer to you” noted that it is high time attention is given to the diseases just like other diseases.
He indicated that some of the challenges associated with the treatment of the disease are that the cost involved in testing and treatment also scares off many people, including expectant mothers, adding that the MP for the area has made it possible by investing in resources needed to help in winning the fight against the disease.
“Today through the efforts of the MP we are able to go to the communities to do voluntary testing and counselling,” the project manager said.
Acting Municipal Director of Health for the Effutu enclave, Madam Mariatu Seidu says the Directorate will begin sensitization exercises within some areas in the municipality to create awareness of the disease.
“Most people only find out they have been infected with Hepatitis B when they are either pregnant or donating blood. We will begin an awareness creation project to draw the attention of persons living there.”
