Breaking Down Hepatitis: A Call ⁣to Action for⁢ a Healthier Africa

By Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

On this World Hepatitis Day, we shine a critical spotlight on a silent epidemic that continues to cast a long shadow across the African continent: viral hepatitis. The theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It ⁤Down,” is a powerful imperative, urging ⁢us to dismantle the multifaceted barriers ⁣- medical, structural, ⁢and social ‍- ⁢that obstruct millions from accessing life-saving care.

The statistics are stark:⁢ over 70 million people in the WHO African Region are living with chronic hepatitis B or C. Each number represents an individual ⁢whose future is imperiled by a disease that is both preventable and treatable. Yet,a devastating reality persists: fewer than one ‍in ten are⁤ diagnosed or receiving treatment.

Our region⁢ bears an ⁢unacceptably high burden, accounting⁤ for a staggering 63% of all new global hepatitis B infections. This disproportionate‍ impact is a direct consequence of deep-seated inequities in access to⁢ vaccination, testing, and treatment. Stigma, misinformation, and missed opportunities ⁢for prevention and care continue to plague communities, leaving countless individuals vulnerable. When left unchecked,⁣ viral⁤ hepatitis escalates to liver⁤ cancer, liver failure, ⁣and premature ⁢death – preventable tragedies⁣ that we have⁣ the power and the obligation to avert.

However, ⁢progress is not only possible; it is already happening. Namibia’s achievement ⁢of WHO silver-tier certification for ‍eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in 2024 is a beacon of hope. This milestone, joining a growing⁤ cohort of proactive nations, assures thousands of newborns a protected start to⁤ life. It⁣ serves⁢ as ‍a potent reminder that with unwavering political commitment, strategic investment, ⁣and innovative approaches, transformative change is within our grasp.

Across the region, we are witnessing encouraging ⁢integration ⁣of⁢ hepatitis services into existing HIV, maternal, and primary healthcare programs. Community health workers are extending vital facts and support to families, and national campaigns are actively working to reduce stigma and elevate⁤ awareness.

As the World Health‍ organization, we are proud to champion these crucial efforts. We are ⁢collaborating with countries to ⁣expand access to affordable testing and antiviral treatments, to implement the critical ‍hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine, and to⁢ fortify primary healthcare ⁤systems, ensuring that no one is left behind.

But‍ our efforts must be amplified, and our pace must accelerate. ⁤To truly “break down hepatitis” in ‍the African Region,we must commit to the following essential ⁤actions:

Universal Hepatitis B Birth dose: Ensure every ⁣child receives the hepatitis B birth ⁤dose vaccine,ideally within the first 24 hours of life.
Integrated⁤ Care: Seamlessly integrate hepatitis ⁢testing and treatment into routine primary healthcare services.
Sustainable Financing: Secure dedicated and ‍sustainable domestic financing to bolster national hepatitis elimination plans.
Combating Stigma and Misinformation: Launch robust public education campaigns and foster community-led⁢ engagement to dismantle stigma and counter misinformation.
* Protecting⁢ Affected individuals: Safeguard individuals living with hepatitis from discrimination in healthcare⁢ settings, employment, and‍ society at⁢ large.

Governments hold a pivotal role in ⁣this ⁣endeavor. It is imperative to prioritize hepatitis elimination within national health agendas and to establish the policies and systems necessary for ‍delivering ⁣care at scale. We also issue a fervent call‍ to international partners to enhance their support, empowering every nation with⁢ the tools, technologies, and treatments essential to ending this epidemic.

On this World ‍Hepatitis Day, let us remember the human stories behind every statistic. Behind every challenge lies an opportunity, and behind every barrier lies the profound potential⁤ for positive change. ⁢We possess the knowledge. We have the tools. What we urgently need now is the collective will.

Together, we can⁤ break ‍down⁤ hepatitis and forge a healthier, more hopeful future for⁣ all Africans.

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