Health Minister calls on Ministry of Finance, others to assist in tackling viral hepatitis

By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO

The Minister of Health (MOH), Dr. Bernard  Okoe-Boye, has called on the Ministry of Finance, the private sector and others to support and join hands with the ministry in tackling hepatitis.

He stated that without significant acceleration of local and national efforts, the country will be unable to meet the SDGs’ goal 3 by 20230.

“There’s a lot to do, for which reason I call on the Ministry of Finance, private sector, philanthropic organisations and donor partners to take a closer look at the viral hepatitis burden in the country and join hands with the Ministry of Health and Ghanaian Health Service to tackle it decisively,” he said.

His call for stakeholder support was stated in a speech read on his behalf by Acting Director-Technical Coordination, MOH, Dr. Hafez Adams Taher in commemorating  World Hepatitis Day observations under the theme ‘It is time for Action’. The day is observed yearly on July 28 to focus public attention on the disease.

A 2022 study showed that about 2.8 million Ghanaians have hepatitis B infection and over 442,000 have active hepatitis C infection, while others afflicted with hepatitis B or C are not aware they are affected.

Meanwhile, he emphasised the MOH’s readiness to marshall the resources necessary for accelerated response, commending the Egyptian and French governments respectively for their medical and technical support.

Highlighting some steps they intend to embark on in support of the country’s effort to eliminate hepatitis B, he indicated that the MOH “will work with the African Medical Supply Platform of the African Union and other partners in facilitating access to bulk procurement of hepatitis kits and medicines”.

Additionally, he mentioned that the ministry will team up with the Ministry of Local Government and MDA to work toward “viral hepatitis-free districts” across the country. This development is aimed at awareness-creation, promoting testing and linkage to care.

For his part, Programme Manager-Extended Programme on Immunisation, Dr Kwame Achiano-Amponsah, on behalf of Director-General, Ghana Health Service (GHS) Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, indicated that the MOH through GHS with support from partners is working to introduce the hepatitis B birth dose in the near-future – as results from a survey suggest there is significant risk for mother to child transmission of hepatitis B virus.

According to him, a survey conducted by GHS in 2023 showed about 8.7 percent of pregnant women – that is, nearly 9 out of 100 – tested positive for hepatitis B. He therefore urged all pregnant women to ensure they deliver in health facilities so their babies can benefit when the birth-dose is introduced.

“The  World Health Organisation (WHO) is committed to supporting the process for including hepatitis medications in the country’s essential medicines list,” WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, stated in a speech read on her behalf.

She also called on policymakers and partners to join the national efforts and identify the populations most affected by viral hepatitis.

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North constituency, Sheila Penelope Bartels, advised her constituents and all citizens to get tested and know their hepatitis status.  Also, she asked them to worry less about stigmatisation since outcomes of the test can be managed or cured.

“I don’t think there is any need to worry much about stigma because when you test for it, I believe hepatitis C is curable and B is manageable. So, whatever the result might be – whether it is C or B – it can be treated and managed or cured. It is important to find it early and ensure you get the requisite treatment,” she cautioned.

However, she underscored prevention measures including vaccinations, safe injection practices, proper sanitation and safe-sex practices as significant steps to reducing the risk of transmission.

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