An estimated 2.8 million people in Ghana are affected by hepatitis B, while nearly 500,000 have hepatitis C. The highest burdens and mortality rates are concentrated in the Upper East, Upper West, North East, Savannah, and Northern regions.
These figures were highlighted during Ghana’s observance of World Hepatitis Day 2024 last Friday. The celebration focused on enhancing efforts to combat hepatitis, improve public health, and achieve broader health objectives by 2030. The event, organized by the Greater Accra Region Health Service, the Ablekuma-North Municipal Assembly, and the Rotary Club of Accra Cantonments-East, aimed to raise awareness and encourage preventive measures.
Themed “It’s Time for Action,” the program supported the global initiative to address viral hepatitis and promote collective efforts to mitigate its impact. It included educational sessions, free screenings, and vaccinations to equip the public with essential information and tools to fight hepatitis.
Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Head of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at the Ghana Health Service, emphasized the need for unified action to eradicate hepatitis by 2030. “Defeating viral hepatitis begins with each of us, and the time to start is now,” he asserted. Dr. Amponsa-Achiano revealed that by the end of 2022, about 2.8 million Ghanaians were infected with hepatitis B and over 442,000 with active hepatitis C. Many infected individuals remain unaware of their condition.
He noted that viral hepatitis affects more than 10.4% of the population, just over one in ten people. “This estimate might be higher if not for the significant step taken over 20 years ago with the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine for children under one,” he added.
Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, represented by a spokesperson, set ambitious targets for 2025: diagnosing 30% of those with hepatitis B and C and treating 30% of these cases. “Achieving these targets will require a substantial boost in both local and national efforts,” he said. The Ministry is committed to mobilizing resources and implementing the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap 2020-2030, which includes a National Essential Health Services package.
Dr. Okoe-Boye also acknowledged the Government of Egypt’s support in supplying medications for hepatitis B and C patients and the technical assistance funded by the French government. He called on the Ministry of Finance, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and donor partners to intensify their support in the fight against hepatitis.
Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Officer in Charge for Ghana, echoed the commitment to integrating hepatitis medications into national essential medicines lists and supporting efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. “I urge Ghana to accelerate the introduction of the Hepatitis B birth dose and take advantage of the GAVI support opportunity in September,” he said. Dr. Lule also encouraged the private sector to explore new initiatives and investment opportunities to boost local production of hepatitis medications and strengthen regional manufacturing capabilities. He challenged academia to offer innovative solutions and rethink traditional approaches in the fight against hepatitis.
Sheila Bartels, MP for Ablekuma North, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to raise awareness, build strong partnerships, and mobilize resources to address the high burden of hepatitis. She urged everyone to get tested and advised those living with hepatitis to seek early treatment and consult healthcare professionals for effective management.
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