World Hepatitis Day – July 28th 2015
At 10am on Tuesday 28th July GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) are hosting an open meeting to discuss the support needs of people living with Hepatitis C (PLWHCV) in the Mid-Western Region. This is the first time groups in Limerick have come together to find a way to meet the information and support needs of people who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C. We invite you to join us in this discussion if you or a family member are affected by Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a virus which affects the liver. It can only be detected through a specific test which is available free of charge from the STI clinic in University Hospital Limerick. Hepatitis C is 30 more times more infectious than HIV and can be contracted through blood to blood contact with an infected person.
Although it often causes serious illness, one third of people will be able to clear the Hep C virus themselves, without any medical intervention. For the other two thirds of people who are diagnosed with Hepatitis C, the illness would be progressive and lifelong but now there is a cure that is effective, in most cases, within weeks.
Ann Mason, GOSHH Manager, said “This new medication will change the lives of those living with the Hepatitis C virus. Once you are accepted onto the programme, the virus can be cleared fairly quickly.”
Organisations including Community Response, HIV Ireland, and UISCE have joined together with GOSHH to promote information and awareness about Hepatitis C for World Hepatitis Day. On Wednesday 29th July GOSHH will be on Bedford Row, Limerick City from 12 Midday until 3pm with information and free key rings as well as family entertainment and face painting.
Everyone is welcome, especially families affected by Hepatitis C, agencies working with people affected by Hepatitis C, or medical practitioners who are treating patients living with Hepatitis C.
For more information please contact GOSHH by email: info@goshh.ie Telephone: 061 314354 or visit www.goshh.ie/hepatitis
ENDS
For more information please contact
GOSHH, Redwood Place, 18 Davis Street, Limerick
+353 61 314354