Hepatitis in Ghana: A Growing Public Health Concern

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

Ghana map. Click on image to enlarge.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. 15,000 Ghanaians lost their lives to chronic hepatitis B and C-related liver diseases in 2022, according to the Ghana Health Service. This tragic figure translates to approximately 42 deaths every day, predominantly affecting young adults who succumb to liver failure and cancer.

The announcement came during this year's Ghana Hepatitis Stakeholders Conference held in Accra. Dr. Aboagye highlighted the significant burden of chronic hepatitis B and C in the country with a notably higher prevalence in the northern regions compared to the south. However, the full extent of the problem remains unclear due to low testing capacity and inadequate reporting systems.

"As a result, a large portion of the population is unaware of their infection status, complicating treatment efforts," Dr. Aboagye explained. "There is an urgent need for increased awareness and improved healthcare access."

The situation is particularly concerning for newborns. Approximately 8% of newborns in Ghana are born to mothers with hepatitis B, and without treatment, 95% of these infants would develop chronic hepatitis. Many families are unaware of their risk, leading to further transmission during subsequent pregnancies.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

Ghana has committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. However, significant gaps remain in testing, vaccination and care. The Ghana Health Service has initiated several interventions, including vaccination programs for children but requires support from stakeholders at all levels—community, district, regional and national—to achieve its goals.

Dr. Aboagye called on all stakeholders to engage actively in combating hepatitis and stressed the importance of community involvement. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address gaps in service delivery.

The government is also implementing a triple elimination strategy targeting the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. This initiative aims to ensure that newborns receive hepatitis B vaccinations at birth and that mothers who test positive receive the necessary interventions to prevent transmission.

Mr. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. "Partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as collaboration with civil society and international organizations, are essential for addressing the public health threat posed by viral hepatitis," he stated.

The ministry continues to focus on prevention efforts, particularly through safe blood practices and routine childhood immunizations, which have successfully reduced new cases of hepatitis B among children. However, chronic hepatitis B remains a major concern, affecting approximately 9.1% of Ghana's population.

The hepatitis crisis in Ghana demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from all sectors of society. By raising awareness, improving healthcare access and fostering strong partnerships, Ghana can work towards its goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The time for action is now, as every day lost means more lives are at risk.
 

Source: Ghanaian Times News

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Published: SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

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