WHO Tasks African Leaders To Invest In Hepatitis B Vaccination
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised African leaders to invest in Hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns and integrate hepatitis interventions as part of health system strengthening.
The global health body noted that despite the availability of diagnostic tools and effective treatment, less than one in 10 of the 71 million people with Hepatitis B or C in Africa have access to testing and more than 200,000 die yearly due to complications like end-stage liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who made the call at a briefing to mark the 2019 World Hepatitis Day in Abuja, appealed to partners and pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of hepatitis B and C diagnostics and medicines.
He stressed the need for the research community to explore ways to simplify testing and treatment and promote innovation towards a cure for Hepatitis B and a vaccine for hepatitis C.
Represented by the WHO, Officer-in-Charge, Nigeria, Dr. Clement Peters, Moeti noted that scorecard showed the highest-burden of Hepatitis B infection in children under five years was seen in countries without birth-dose vaccination in combination with suboptimal coverage (under 90%) of the childhood pentavalent vaccine; and testing and treatment as a public health approach remains the most neglected aspect of the response.
According to him, it is important to build on existing laboratory capacities for HIV and TB, embedding hepatitis surveillance in the national health information system, and securing supplies of affordable medicines and diagnostics.
He said: “Funding hepatitis testing and treatment services as part of universal health coverage is a cost-effective investment. The theme this year: Invest In Eliminating Hepatitis is a timely reminder that this disease can be eliminated by 2030 with adequate resources and strong political commitment. I call on the Member States to invest in a public health approach towards the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C in Africa.”
