Today marks World Hepatitis Day, dedicated to raising awareness of the inflammation of the liver that can also progress to scarring or liver cancer.

Between 130 and 170 million people are affected by hepatitis worldwide.

Hepatitis B and C are often known as the ‘silent killers’ because infected people do not tend to experience symptoms until potentially serious signs emerge. Infected individuals would also be at risk of transmitting the infection to household and sexual partners.

The logo that was chosen for this year is ‘Think again. Prevent Hepatitis’.

Prevention, the Health Parliamentary Secretariat said, was exercised by refraining from taking and sharing drugs, needles and other equipment utilised for drug taking, using condoms correctly and consistently and taking all vaccinations available and according to schedule.

However, it is important that people get tested if they think they have the potential to be infected due to unprotected sexual contacts, having shared needles while taking drugs, had tattoos and piercings in unlicensed parlours or were in contact with blood while their skin is broken.

If found positive, they should seek attention as there are specific treatments available that can ease liver damage. Unlike Hepatitis C, there is a vaccine for Hepatitis B. The government already offers this vaccine free of charge to children, health professionals, members of the Armed Forces of Malta, the police and migrant workers and LGBT individuals at the GU clinic.

For more information go to www. sexualhealth.gov.mt or call the health promotion and disease prevention directorate on 2326 6000.

For testing, consult a GP or call the GU clinic on 2122 7981.