Groups aim to dispel hepatitis ignorance

Sufferers of hepatitis C are being stigmatised because of public ignorance about the condition, it was claimed today.

Support groups said up to 20,000 people affected by hepatitis C in Ireland could be discriminated against and excluded due to inaccurate and poor knowledge.

Three voluntary organisations – Positive Action, the Blood Borne Virus Forum and Community Response – have joined forces to educate people to reduce the stigma attached and mark World Hepatitis Day, which takes place tomorrow.

June Colgan, of the Blood Borne Virus Forum, said: “Hepatitis C is not spread through day-to-day activities, and people living with it have the same right as everyone else to enjoy their home and work life without worrying that they will be judged.

“This is why we have come together to remind the general public and those working in the health services that anyone can be affected by hepatitis C and that everyone deserves to be treated as an individual with respect and dignity.” Hepatitis C is an infection affecting the liver and can be transmitted through contaminated blood and blood products, and through sharing injection and drug-snorting equipment.

It can also be spread by sharing piercing or tattooing equipment and, less regularly, through unprotected sex or from a hepatitis C-positive mother to her baby, possibly during childbirth.

Since hepatitis C became a notifiable disease in 2004, reported infections have continued to rise.

The number of cases of hepatitis C in 2007 increased by 29% over the previous year, not least because more people are now presenting themselves to be tested.

Supporters said while successful treatments are available, support is also as important.

Community Response, which believes knowledge is power in overcoming the stigma related to hepatitis C, has launched a new interactive website at www.hepinfo.ie and hosts a weekly new drop-in centre.

Positive Action, which supports women infected with hepatitis C through contaminated Anti-D administered by the Blood Transfusion Service, also has a drop-in centre for its members.