The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to support efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of decentralized and person-centered prevention, testing, and treatment. Despite the availability of diagnostic tools and effective treatment, a majority of people in Africa do not have access to appropriate care. The message urged nations to prioritize immunization programs and strengthen primary healthcare services to combat hepatitis. WHO praised Namibia for being the first country to apply for WHO path to Mother to Child Transmission Triple elimination status, including Hepatitis B.
As countries across the globe celebrate World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has restated its commitment to supporting regional and national efforts aimed at the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. In a message from Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, the importance of providing clear guidance for decentralised and simplified person-centered prevention, testing, and treatment of viral hepatitis was emphasized.
In Africa, more than 90% of individuals living with hepatitis lack access to the necessary care, despite the availability of diagnostic tools and effective treatment options. Additionally, less than 10% of the population has access to testing and treatment. The highest burden of Hepatitis B infection in children under 5 years of age is seen in countries that do not offer Hepatitis B vaccination at birth.
The WHO stressed the crucial role of immunization in the fight against hepatitis. All 47 Member States in the Africa Region have included the Hepatitis B vaccine in routine immunization. However, the coverage for routine childhood vaccination stands at 72%, falling short of the global target of 90%. As of 2022, 16 countries in the region provide a birth dose of the vaccine to all newborns, up from 11 in 2021.
Dr. Moeti urged nations to make services more widely available through robust primary healthcare systems, which should be increasingly funded through domestic resources. It was noted that testing and treatment interventions must be integrated into comprehensive primary healthcare packages that address the needs of individuals across all age groups.
In order to achieve the globally agreed target of 90% hepatitis B immunization coverage, countries were encouraged to introduce the Hepatitis birth dose. The WHO called upon policymakers and partners to demonstrate political commitment to sustained and simplified hepatitis testing, prevention, and treatment as part of broader liver health and primary healthcare strategies.
The organization commended Namibia for being the first country to apply for the WHO path to Mother To Child Transmission Triple elimination status that includes Hepatitis B. WHO anticipated that other countries in the region would follow suit in the near future.
Hepatitis B is commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with infected blood or body fluids during sexual intercourse or unsafe injection practices.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-07-29 News
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