The Kadjebi District Director of Health Services, Mr. Eric Nana Takyi, has called on Ghanaians to prioritise early hepatitis testing and vaccination, describing them as the most effective tools for preventing infections and reducing liver-related complications.
Speaking ahead of this year’s World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28, Mr. Takyi said greater public awareness and preventive action were critical to eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he explained that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can result from viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins and autoimmune diseases. However, he noted that viral hepatitis remains the greatest public health concern because of its widespread impact.
Mr. Takyi said the five major forms of viral hepatitis—A, B, C, D and E—are transmitted through different routes and therefore require different prevention strategies.
According to him, Hepatitis A and E are commonly spread through contaminated food and water caused by poor sanitation, while Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood, unprotected sexual intercourse, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth and the sharing of contaminated sharp objects such as razors and needles.
He added that Hepatitis C is mainly contracted through contact with infected blood, including unsafe injections, unscreened blood transfusions and contaminated medical instruments, while Hepatitis D only affects people who are already infected with Hepatitis B.
The District Director noted that vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures, particularly against Hepatitis A and B, adding that the Hepatitis B vaccine has already been integrated into Ghana’s Expanded Programme on Immunization for newborns and children.
He advised the public to practise proper hand hygiene, drink safe or treated water and consume well-cooked food to reduce the risk of Hepatitis A and E infections.
Mr. Takyi also urged people to practise safe sex, ensure blood is properly screened before transfusions, insist on the use of sterile medical equipment and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, nail clippers and razors.
He further encouraged all pregnant women to undergo Hepatitis B screening, explaining that newborns of infected mothers should receive the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine together with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 24 hours after delivery to minimise mother-to-child transmission.
On treatment, Mr. Takyi said Hepatitis A and E infections are usually mild and often resolve without antiviral medication, although severe cases may require hospital care, good nutrition and adequate hydration.
While there is currently no complete cure for Hepatitis B, he said antiviral medicines can effectively suppress the virus and significantly reduce the risk of liver damage.
He added that medical advances have made Hepatitis C curable in more than 95 per cent of cases through direct-acting antiviral drugs taken over an eight to twelve-week period, while treatment for Hepatitis D is provided alongside the management of Hepatitis B.
Mr. Takyi advised individuals diagnosed with hepatitis to avoid alcohol, refrain from self-medication and adhere to regular medical reviews to monitor liver health.
He appealed to the public to know their hepatitis status through early testing and seek prompt medical care whenever necessary, expressing optimism that sustained awareness campaigns, wider vaccination coverage and strict adherence to preventive measures would help eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
