Steven Tyler Praised by International Patient Groups in Advance of World Hepatitis Awareness Day

Steven Tyler Praised by International Patient Groups in Advance of World Hepatitis Awareness Day

BRUSSELS, Belgium, September 29/PRNewswire/ -- As one of 180 million people affected by hepatitis C around the world,
Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith has received praise from international
patient organisations for talking openly about his battle with hepatitis C.
The announcement from Steven Tyler comes just days before World Hepatitis
Awareness Day 2006.

Muriel Colinet, President of the European Liver Patient Association
(ELPA), expressed her gratitude to Steven Tyler, saying that "Steven Tyler
has taken the important and brave step to reveal his hepatitis C status, a
move that is vital if we are to succeed in our battle to combat this
devastating disease." She added that "only by talking openly about the
disease and by encouraging people who might be at risk to get tested can we
begin to tackle this global problem."

Steven Tyler adds his name to that of a number of celebrities, including
Sir Bob Geldof, who are attempting to raise awareness of hepatitis B and C,
diseases that affect almost 600 million people worldwide. Speaking in a
pre-recorded message at the World Health Organization Regional Office for
Europe on Tuesday, Sir Bob Geldof explained that "stigma, shame and fear can
suffocate awareness. These barriers prevent people from getting tested,
getting treatment and clearing themselves of the disease."

Sunday, 1 October 2006 marks the third annual World Hepatitis Awareness
Day. The theme for this year is 'Get Tested' and people at risk from the
disease are encouraged to do just that - Get Tested. For more information
regarding activities around the world please visit
www.worldhepatitisawarenessday.com

Source: The European Liver Patient Association

For more information, please contact: Suzanne Edwards, Axon Communications, Tel: +44-(0)20-8822-6692, Email: sedwards@axon-com.com; Muriel Colinet, President, ELPA (Europe) and Carrefour Hépatites - Aide et Contact asbl, (Belgium), Tel: +32-(0)61-26-68-90, Email: chacasbl@skynet.be

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