New Hepatitis B and C Communications Campaign Launched

March 12, 2008. A new nation-wide communication campaign was launched to help prevent the spread of hepatitis B and C in Moldova.  The campaign, the first of its kind in Moldova, is entitled: Protect Yourself and Your Family from Viral Hepatitis B and C. The USAID supported campaign is both timely and crucial.  Viral hepatitis is the fifth leading cause of death in Moldova and mortality rates are seven times higher than those in the EU.  Yet, only 12% of Moldovans know about modes of transmission of hepatitis B and C.  The Protect Yourself and Your Family from Viral Hepatitis B and C campaign is designed to increase knowledge on modes of transmission of hepatitis B and C, reduce high-risk behaviors that transmit these diseases, and promote the use of the six voluntary counseling and testing centers that were established with the support of USAID. Minister of Health Ion Ababii and the U.S.  Ambassador Michael D.  Kirby jointly launched the campaign at an event for press and members of the donor, NGO and health service community.   “Prevention is much more effective than treatment and it is our first line of defense.  Through this campaign, we are implementing preventive interventions to reduce the public health risk of these life-threatening diseases before they become a major epidemic.” U.S.  Ambassador to Moldova, Mr.  Michael D.  Kirby. Campaign activities will target the general population as well as specific groups such as youth, rural population, migrants and people infected with viral hepatitis.  The campaign will run for six months and include spots on national TV and radio stations.

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