ULAN BATOR, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Mongolians over the age 15 can be tested for hepatitis B and C virus free of charge during the upcoming World Hepatitis Day, the Mongolian Health Ministry said Tuesday.
Cancer specialists from the National Cancer Center of Mongolia will offer free medical check-ups, determine the rate of cirrhosis progression, and provide information about cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B and C, in efforts to improve people's knowledge about hepatitis infections and early detection of infections or cancer, the ministry said in a statement.
According to the World Health Organization, Mongolia has the world's highest rate of liver cancer, as well as the highest mortality rate from the disease.
Cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B and C are the number two killer of Mongolians, after heart and coronary diseases. Currently, some 400,000 Mongolians are diagnosed with hepatitis B or C infections.
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year with an aim to raise the awareness about viral hepatitis.
