The Ministry of Health has renewed its call for intensified national efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis, urging Ghanaians to prioritise testing, vaccination and early treatment as the country continues to grapple with a high burden of hepatitis B and C infections.
The appeal was made during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day and the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group in Accra, an initiative aimed at strengthening Ghana’s response to viral hepatitis through coordinated policy implementation, prevention strategies and improved access to care.
Representing the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Desmond Boateng, underscored the urgent need for a united national response to tackle the disease, warning that millions of Ghanaians are currently living with hepatitis infections, many without any knowledge of their health status.
He explained that viral hepatitis often progresses silently over several years, making it difficult for infected persons to detect the disease until severe complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer develop. This, he noted, highlights the importance of routine screening and early diagnosis.
“Today’s commemoration draws attention to the burden of viral hepatitis. Part of the integration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group provides the mechanism for translating our commitments into coordinated and measurable action.
“Ladies and gentlemen, viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge in Ghana. About 3 million Ghanaians are estimated to be living with hepatitis B while roughly half a million may be living with hepatitis C. Many do not know their status because the infection can remain silent for years, even as it progressively damages the liver.
“Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are major causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancers. Current estimates place liver cancer as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ghana and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
“Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and effectively managed with treatment, while Hepatitis C can be cured with highly effective medicines.”
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