Merck welcomes Gregg Allman to hepatitis C campaign

Merck has revealed that music legend Gregg Allman is set to work with the company on Tune In to Hep C, its new public health campaign.

The 63-year-old American, who underwent a liver transplant last year after suffering a chronic hepatitis C infection, will help to raise awareness of the disease.

Allman has agreed to collaborate with Merck and the American Liver Foundation (ALF) on the initiative, which will see a benefit concert featuring The Allman Brothers Band take place in New York next month.

"Gregg's willingness to share his story will open the door for meaningful dialogue that can help reduce stigma and the lack of understanding surrounding chronic hepatitis C," said Newton Guerin, acting chief executive of the ALF.

Allman, whose band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, claimed there are still many people who "aren't taking action" after being diagnosed with the infection.

The songwriter has been fighting the disease since 2007 and was forced to postpone tour dates to undergo the operation on his liver in June 2010.