About 3 million Ghanaians are estimated to be living with hepatitis B and C, with many unaware of their status due to the often silent nature of the infections.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Health during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day and the inauguration of the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group in Accra.
According to the Ministry, represented by its Chief Director, Desmond Boateng, about three million Ghanaians are living with hepatitis B, while approximately half a million may have hepatitis C.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Boateng, who represented Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, urged Ghanaians to prioritise testing, vaccination and early treatment to reduce the country’s hepatitis burden.
He warned that chronic hepatitis B and C infections can lead to serious health complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“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,” he stated.
The Ministry said the newly inaugurated National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group will help coordinate the country’s policies, prevention strategies and efforts to improve access to treatment.
“Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and effectively managed with treatment, while Hepatitis C can be cured with highly effective medicines,” Mr. Boateng added.
