NAC hosted a press conference on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day. The day itself is 28^th July but the press conference was held on 29^th July at the ICCS.

Two main topics were addressed:

• Viral Hepatitis in Seychelles with stats
• Work being done by all partners and stakeholders

What is Hepatitis?

• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver
• It may be caused by drugs, alcohol use or certain medical conditions
• In most cases, it is caused by a virus
• It is known as viral Hepatitis
• Most common forms of hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

The panelists

Dr Anne Gabriel (Lead) CEO for National AIDS Council. (NAC)

Ronny Arnephy: Chairperson Drug Utilization Response Network Seychelles (DURNS)

Dr Winnie Low Wah   Dr at the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR)

Mr Justin Freminot Chairman HIV/AIDS Support Organization (HASO)

Dr Anne Gabriel made the introduction of the panelists she also gave statistics on Hepatitis and HIV and the cost of treatment.

The two NGOS spoke mainly on the work they do to help people with Hepatitis and the co infected as well.

Dr Low Wah from APDAR spoke about the causes of Hepatitis and the steps taken for prevention and treatment.

In attendance were the media houses.

Following the conference NAC took the opportunity to launch its website nationalaidscouncil.sc.

The conference will be aired on SBC very soon.