Ghana is currently falling short in its fight against viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B, with the 2030 elimination target in jeopardy. Key issues include the lack of vaccination for newborns and insufficient funding for hepatitis programs. Health officials emphasize the need for proactive measures, including increased testing, treatment, and a national vaccination policy to combat the disease effectively.
The World Health Organization’s Technical Lead for Hepatitis in Ghana, Dr. Kafui Senya, recently indicated that the nation is currently failing to meet its goals in combating viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B. With the 2030 elimination deadline approaching, he expressed concerns that key targets, such as testing 90 percent of infected individuals and treating 65 percent of diagnosed cases, remain unmet. Dr. Senya underscored the critical need for vaccination against hepatitis B for newborns, a service not currently implemented in Ghana, to prevent future infections and associated risks such as liver cancer. In a recent interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Senya stated that the current absence of a vaccination policy significantly jeopardizes Ghana’s opportunity to meet its elimination objectives by 2030. He explained that hepatitis B, which is often undetected until advanced stages due to vague symptoms, could be curbed through strategic vaccination efforts. Dr. Senya warned that failure to initiate these preventive measures may result in generational health consequences. The President of the Hepatitis Foundation of Ghana, Theobald Owusu-Ansah, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the reactive approach currently adopted by Ghana’s health system that waits for infections to occur before treatment is administered. He stressed that preventative measures, such as vaccination, are critical and noted the disparity in funding between HIV initiatives and hepatitis programs, further compounding the challenge of addressing hepatitis B effectively. Owusu-Ansah called for comprehensive strategies including birth dose vaccination programs and integrating hepatitis treatment within the National Health Insurance Scheme to increase access to necessary healthcare. Finally, he highlighted existing barriers to care, particularly the financial burden on patients, which discourages early diagnosis and treatment. Without significant reforms and increased investment in the fight against hepatitis B, both experts warn that Ghana risks missing its 2030 goal for elimination.
Ghana has been facing significant challenges in the fight against viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B, which poses severe health risks, including liver cancer. The World Health Organization has set ambitious targets for elimination by 2030, emphasizing the necessity of widespread testing, treatment, and vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease. Currently, inadequate funding and the absence of proactive vaccination policies impede progress, thereby raising concerns among health officials and advocates in the country.
In conclusion, Ghana’s fight against viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, is currently hindered by the lack of vaccination policies and inadequate funding. Dr. Kafui Senya and Theobald Owusu-Ansah highlight the urgent need for preventive measures, such as early vaccination and increased public health initiatives, to prevent future infections and associated health complications. The call for a proactive, rather than reactive, approach is critical to achieving the 2030 elimination target and improving the overall health outcomes for the nation’s population.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
