Ghana's Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service have marked World Hepatitis Day 2026 with a renewed commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. The event saw the unveiling of a National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group and the appointment of musician Okyeame Kwame as the country's National Hepatitis Ambassador.
A Major Public Health Challenge
The Ministry of Health's Chief Director, Desmond Boateng, described hepatitis as a major public health challenge requiring sustained national action. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Boateng highlighted the need for key interventions to tackle the disease, including the nationwide rollout of the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine to protect newborns from infection.
Ghana estimates that about 10% of the population is affected by viral hepatitis, with around 3 million Ghanaians living with Hepatitis B and over 500,000 infected with Hepatitis C. Health experts at the event underscored the need for intensified public education and improved access to healthcare services to reduce infections and achieve the country's target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
A New Awareness Song and Campaign
Award-winning musician Okyeame Kwame was appointed as National Hepatitis Ambassador in recognition of his more than 15 years of advocacy and free hepatitis screening campaigns. As part of his renewed campaign, the musician unveiled a new awareness song aimed at encouraging more people to get tested and helping to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
Development partners and private sector stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana's hepatitis elimination agenda by expanding access to screening, vaccination, and treatment services nationwide. The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment into primary healthcare services across the country.
A New Era for Viral Hepatitis in Ghana
The appointment of Okyeame Kwame as National Hepatitis Ambassador marks a significant step in Ghana's fight against viral hepatitis. His renewed campaign aims to encourage more people to get tested and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. The event also saw the unveiling of a National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group, which will work towards strengthening Ghana's response to viral hepatitis.
The Ministry of Health's commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 is a crucial step towards reducing the disease's impact on the country's population. With the help of development partners and private sector stakeholders, Ghana is well on its way to achieving its target. As the country continues to scale up key interventions and improve access to healthcare services, the future looks promising for those affected by viral hepatitis.
Source: Joy Online
