Africa's Uphill Battle Against Hepatitis: Vaccination and Innovation Pivotal

The specter of viral hepatitis looms large over Africa, with the World Health Organization (WHO) focused on its elimination as a public health threat by 2030. Bada Pharasi and Professor Wendy Spearman spotlight the continent's struggle, underscoring vaccination and scientific innovation as key weapons in the fight against this deadly disease.

Hepatitis B and C, insidious foes responsible for chronic diseases and deaths worldwide, are the targets of global health initiatives aiming for a dramatic reduction in new cases and related mortalities. The WHO foresees a 90% decrease in infections and 65% drop in deaths caused by these viruses.

However, the battlefront in Africa is facing significant headwinds. A staggering 63% of all new infections occurred in the WHO Africa region in 2022, according to the WHO Global Hepatitis 2024 report. The numbers are dire, with minimal diagnosis and treatment rates to show: only 4.2% diagnosed and 0.2% treated for hepatitis B, and 13% diagnosed with hepatitis C undergoing treatment.

Vaccination is a cornerstone of the offensive strategy against hepatitis B. A near-total protective barrier, especially critical in preventing mother-to-child transmission, vaccinations can stave off cirrhosis and cancer later in life. While hepatitis C has yet to see a vaccine, a notable history of hepatitis research, including the identification and subsequent treatments of the hepatitis C virus after decades of uncertainty, exemplifies the monumental impact of pharmaceutical innovation.

The call to action is clear: to fast-track vaccination, amplify testing, and steer collaborative public-private and community partnerships employing innovative screening and diagnostic tools. Moreover, integrating viral hepatitis care into wider health systems and ensuring routine hepatitis B immunization is essential.

Finally, a robust increase in domestic funding for hepatitis programs will guarantee a steady supply of vital resources needed for comprehensive care and treatment, propelling Africa closer to meeting WHO's ambitious goals.