The service and its partners commemorated World Hepatitis Day ahead of the global observance on Sunday, July 28, in Accra, under the theme “It’s Time for Action!” This annual observance aims to raise awareness about hepatitis, a major public health threat affecting 2.8 million Ghanaians. The event, held on Friday, July 26, at the Ablekuma North Municipality, highlighted the urgent need for strengthened collaboration to eliminate the disease by 2030.
The event saw participation from partners, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector. Officials gave speeches reiterating their commitment and willingness to end the hepatitis menace.
Dr. Kwame Achiano Amponsah, Programme Manager for the Extended Programme on Immunization, delivered a speech on behalf of the Director-General of the Service. He stressed that hepatitis B and C are preventable and highlighted the government’s efforts to introduce the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine. He encouraged pregnant women to deliver in health facilities to benefit from this vaccine and noted that anyone who tested negative for hepatitis could receive the necessary education to avoid infection.
Dr. Frank Lule, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative to Ghana, urged policymakers and partners to act jointly at the national level to identify the population most affected by viral hepatitis and commit to actions that respond to local evidence and health system contexts while upholding fundamental human rights. He also encouraged civil society organizations to sustain their efforts in ending viral hepatitis by reaching the most vulnerable and tackling social stigma.
Dr. Hafiz Adams, representing the Minister of Health, called on stakeholders to work with the government to address Ghana’s viral hepatitis burden. He emphasized the importance of the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap 2020-2030 and the National Essential Health Services Package 2022-2030, which include provisions for viral hepatitis. Dr. Adams stressed the need for sustained allocation of financial and other resources by the government and its partners to implement these packages effectively.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North Municipality, Hon. Penelope Shiela Bartels, and the Municipal Chief Executive of Ablekuma North Municipal were present to support the Municipal Health Directorate in commemorating this event. Residents of the Ablekuma North Municipality took advantage of free screening services provided at the event to assess their health status. This initiative aimed to encourage early detection and treatment, which are vital in managing and preventing the spread of hepatitis.
The event concluded with a call to action for policymakers, partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academia to jointly work towards ending viral hepatitis. The GHS reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, providing up-to-date strategies, frameworks, and guidance for prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment.
As the fight against hepatitis continues, the GHS encourages all Ghanaians to seek testing and treatment. With collective action, the vision of a hepatitis-free Ghana can become a reality. The Ghana Health Service continues to work with partners to enhance hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ensuring all Ghanaians have access to essential health services.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS
