WHO urges Africa to expand access to hepatitis care

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on African governments to bolster national hepatitis programs and expand access to essential services like vaccination, testing, and treatment. The organization warns that millions across the continent are still missing out on crucial, life-saving interventions, even though effective tools are readily available.

Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted that viral hepatitis remains a significant public health challenge in the region. While new hepatitis B infections decreased by 25% between 2015 and 2024, many individuals are diagnosed too late or cannot access necessary care, leading to preventable deaths. "No one should die from a disease that can be prevented, diagnosed and, in many cases, treated," Janabi stated, urging a collective effort to remove barriers to hepatitis services.

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No one should die from a disease that can be prevented, diagnosed and, in many cases, treated.

The region possesses the necessary tools to combat viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B vaccine, introduced in the early 1990s, offers up to 95% protection. Reliable diagnostic tools allow for early detection, and hepatitis C is curable, while lifelong treatment for hepatitis B can prevent severe complications like liver cirrhosis and cancer. Janabi stressed that integrating hepatitis services into primary healthcare would improve accessibility and affordability.

However, the challenge is no longer scientific but hinges on political will, funding, and ensuring equitable access. While progress has been made in expanding hepatitis B vaccination and pioneering hepatitis C elimination strategies, these gains must be sustained and broadened across all 47 WHO African member states. Late diagnosis remains a critical issue, often due to limited testing, treatment access in underserved areas, stigma, and low public awareness. The WHO recommends integrating hepatitis services into routine lifelong healthcare and investing in research for better diagnostics and treatments, particularly for co-infections.

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Eliminating viral hepatitis is within our reach, but only if proven interventions are available to everyone who needs them.