Written by irene
In Ghana, viral hepatitis is a major health concern for health authorities. Hepatitis B is hyper-endemic, with an estimated prevalence in the population of 9.1%. Hepatitis C also poses a high burden, with an estimated prevalence of 3.3%.
Hepatitis disproportionately affects the people of northern Ghana. Here, poverty and inequitable access to quality healthcare services mean people are more vulnerable to infections than in other parts of the country.
At present, there is no effective vaccine against hepatitis C. However, early diagnosis and treatment can cure over 95% of people, which also helps prevent further transmission of the virus. In Ghana, despite high rates of infection, testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C have historically been very low due to the high costs of services and limited access to treatment. This is now changing due to a dedicated effort by the government to tackle the disease.
ACTION TO PREVENT AND TREAT VIRAL HEPATITIS
The increasing burden of hepatitis infections requires urgent action at all levels to protect people and communities.
In 2017, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), and with support and technical guidance from WHO, developed national guidelines for the prevention, care and treatment of viral hepatitis.
Dissemination of these guidelines has helped to improve the knowledge of health care workers and bridge gaps in access to treatment. Progress has been made but more health worker training is needed.
In March 2023, the government of Ghana, with support from the government of Egypt, WHO, and other partners, launched the ‘STOP Hep C Ghana Project’. This initiative reaches out across the nation, from cities to villages, providing free treatment for hepatitis C across all levels of care to all Ghanaians with active infection.
“The hepatitis C treatment project is the first person-centred intervention by the government that responds directly to the needs of people affected by hepatitis. We are exploring partnerships to support delivery so that eliminating hepatitis in Ghana can be put on sound footing,” says Dr Atsu Seake-Kwawu, Programme Manager of the NVHCP.
In addition, the country is making strong progress to combat hepatitis B, for which there is a vaccine. Ghana has 99% coverage through the infant routine vaccination programme and is planning to introduce the hepatitis B vaccine at birth soon. Additionally, a testing and treatment programme for hepatitis B is being proposed.
“As WHO, we are excited that the fight against viral hepatitis is fast gaining momentum in Ghana. Alongside efforts to make treatment available across the country, we continue to support Ghana to do more on viral hepatitis prevention and risk reduction,”
says Professor Francis Kasolo, WHO Representative to Ghana.
Excerpt from: W.H.O
