On 28 July 2015, the world observes World Hepatitis Day under the theme: “Prevent Hepatitis – Act now”. The theme this year focuses on the prevention of hepatitis B and C that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease and killing close to 1.5 million people every year.
Viral hepatitis is a serious but under-recognized global public health problem. In the African Region, hepatitis B affects an estimated 100 million people. It is also estimated that 28 million adults in the Region are chronically infected with hepatitis C. Despite severe complications, most people with chronic viral hepatitis are not aware of their infection and do not receive appropriate treatment
Viral hepatitis can be prevented using various approaches. A safe and effective vaccine is widely available for the prevention of hepatitis B infection. The vaccine has been introduced into routine childhood immunization schedules in all 47 Member States in the African Region and 75% of children have received the three doses.
While this is commendable, much more needs to be done. Most countries are yet to introduce the birth dose for new born children in order to prevent transmission of hepatitis B at birth. It is vital that routine coverage of hepatitis B vaccination be scaled up and a dose of the vaccine is provided within 24-48 hours of birth.
Other effective prevention strategies against hepatitis B and C include: vaccinating, health workers and at risk populations, ensuring safe blood supplies and safe transfusions; safe injection practices; safe sex with condoms; and strengthening infection control practices in all health facilities. This calls for the involvement of everyone from health providers to the communities in order to prevent further spread of hepatitis epidemics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the first normative guidelines for the prevention, care and treatment of hepatitis B and C. The guidelines will help programme managers to plan the scale up of hepatitis B and C prevention and treatment programmes as well as guide health care providers who care for persons with chronic hepatitis B and C. In addition, WHO is developing a global strategy on viral hepatitis which will describe the priority actions that countries need to take in order to scale up viral hepatitis response with the aim of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health concern.
I urge all countries in the Region to adopt these guidelines and develop national plans for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and C. People need to know the risk and how they can avoid becoming infected with hepatitis B and C.
I call on international partners, civil society, other United Nations agencies, and the private sector to advocate for and support countries in the provision of sustainable funding for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.
On its part, the WHO Regional Office for Africa will continue to provide evidence-based guidance to all countries and stakeholders towards a hepatitis-free Africa. We need to act now.
Thank you.