As the world observes World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the global health community pays homage to the late Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed its first vaccine in 1967.
This day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to combat hepatitis and protect one of the body’s vital organs—the liver.
Unraveling the Menace: Linking Viral Hepatitis to Liver Health
Under the theme “One Life, One Liver,” this year’s World Hepatitis Day sheds light on the close connection between viral hepatitis infection and liver inflammation, stressing the significance of liver health within the broader framework of primary healthcare.
Viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C, causes severe liver damage, leading to compromised liver functionality.
African Region: A Struggle Against Hepatitis
With more than 91 million Africans affected, hepatitis poses a significant health burden in the region. In 2019 alone, approximately 1.2 million new hepatitis infections and 125,000 related deaths occurred in Africa, impacting predominantly the young and productive segments of the population.
United for Elimination: WHO’s Strategic Efforts
To combat this growing threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined a global hepatitis strategy endorsed by all member states.
The Framework for an Integrated Multisectoral Response to TB, HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis in the WHO African Region aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030.
Challenges and Opportunities: Testing and Treatment
Despite the availability of diagnostic tools and effective treatments, less than 10% of Africans living with hepatitis receive the care they need.
This deficiency leads to advanced liver disease, exorbitant financial burdens, emotional distress, and stigma.
Comprehensive testing and treatment interventions remain the most neglected aspect of the response, necessitating urgent action.
Harnessing Immunization: A Powerful Weapon
Immunization stands as a vital component in the fight against hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B, which significantly affects children under five.
While all 47 African Member States include the Hepatitis B vaccine in routine immunization, the coverage still stands at 72%, falling short of the global target of 90%.
Encouragingly, 16 countries now provide a birth dose of the vaccine to all newborns, up from 11 in 2021.
A Call to Action: Towards Viral Hepatitis Elimination
To achieve viral hepatitis elimination, policymakers and partners must demonstrate unwavering political commitment to simplified testing, prevention, and treatment interventions as part of broader liver health and primary healthcare.
This necessitates scaling up hepatitis B immunization coverage and ensuring strong and well-funded primary healthcare services accessible to all.
Namibia Leading the Way: WHO Path to Elimination Status
Amid the challenges, a beacon of hope shines through as Namibia becomes the first country in the region to apply for the WHO path to elimination status for Hepatitis B.
This achievement sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit, fostering a united effort towards a hepatitis-free Africa.
A Collective Endeavor to Preserve Liver Health
World Hepatitis Day 2023 reinforces the commitment of the global health community to combat viral hepatitis and safeguard the liver—the ultimate defender of our overall well-being.
Through strategic actions, political dedication, and community engagement, the vision of a hepatitis-free Africa becomes a reality, saving countless lives and ensuring a healthier future for all.
As we remember Dr. Baruch Blumberg’s pioneering contributions, let us take action and work together to protect One Life, One Liver.