The smallThe agency and its partners marked World Hepatitis Day ahead of the global celebration on Sunday, July 28, in Accra, with the theme “Time for Action!”. This annual celebration aims to raise awareness about hepatitis, a major public health threat affecting 2.8 million Ghanaians. The event, which took place on Friday, July 26, in Ablekuma North Municipality, highlighted the urgent need for enhanced collaboration to eliminate the disease by 2030.
The event was attended by partners, policy makers, civil society and the private sector. Officials gave speeches reiterating their commitment and willingness to end the menace of hepatitis.
Dr. Kwame Achiano Amponsah, Program Director for the Expanded Program on Immunization, delivered a speech on behalf of the Director General of the Agency. He emphasized that hepatitis B and C are preventable and emphasized the government’s efforts to introduce the birth dose vaccine against hepatitis B. He encouraged pregnant women to give birth in health facilities to benefit from this vaccine and noted that anyone tested negative for hepatitis could receive the necessary training to avoid infection.
Dr Frank Lule, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Ghana, urged policy makers and partners to act together at the national level to identify the population most affected by viral hepatitis and commit to actions that respond in the local elements and in the context of the health system defending fundamental human rights. He also encouraged civil society organizations to continue their efforts to end viral hepatitis by reaching out to the most vulnerable and addressing social stigma.
Dr. Hafiz Adams, representing the Minister of Health, called on stakeholders to work with government to address Ghana’s burden of viral hepatitis. He highlighted the importance of the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap 2020-2030 and the National Basic Health Services Package 2022-2030, which include provisions on viral hepatitis. Dr. Adams stressed the need for continued allocation of financial and other resources by the government and its partners for the effective implementation of these packages.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North Municipality, Hon. Penelope Shiela Bartels and the Municipal CEO of Ablekuma North Municipal were present to support the Municipal Health Directorate in celebrating this event. Residents of Ablekuma North Municipality took advantage of the free screening services provided at the event to assess their health status. This initiative aimed to encourage early detection and treatment, which is vital to managing and preventing the spread of hepatitis.
The event concluded with a call to action for policy makers, partners, civil society organizations, the private sector and academia to work together to end viral hepatitis. The GHS reiterated its commitment to support efforts to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 by providing updated strategies, frameworks and guidance for prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment.
As the fight against hepatitis continues, 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 improve hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that all Ghanaians have access to essential health services.
SOURCE: PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, GHS