A Unified Front Against a Public Health Threat
Under the national theme "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down," the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have reaffirmed their commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis across the country by 2030. The commemoration gathered policymakers, medical experts, development partners, and civil society organizations to bolster Ghana's national response against the disease.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Chief Director Desmond Boateng framed hepatitis as a major public health challenge that demands urgent, sustained action.
To prevent transmission at the earliest stage, the government confirmed plans to scale up key interventions, including a nationwide rollout of the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine to protect newborns. Mr. Boateng urged all Ghanaians to get screened regularly, highlighting early diagnosis and treatment as the cornerstone of the country's 2030 target.
By the Numbers: The Scale of the Challenge
Health professionals at the event highlighted stark statistics underscoring the urgent need for expanded healthcare access and public education:
10% of the population is estimated to be affected by viral hepatitis.
3 million Ghanaians are currently living with Hepatitis B.
Over 500,000 people are infected with Hepatitis C.
To address these numbers, GHS Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea announced ongoing initiatives to fully integrate hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment into routine primary healthcare services nationwide.
Okyeame Kwame Appointed National Ambassador
A key moment of the event was the official appointment of award-winning musician Okyeame Kwame as Ghana's National Hepatitis Ambassador. The designation honors his more than 15 years of dedicated advocacy, during which he has led voluntary screening campaigns across the country.
Continuing his outreach, the musician unveiled a new awareness song designed to encourage voluntary testing, dismantle stigma, and promote open conversations about the condition.
Expanding Access and Partnerships
Private sector stakeholders and development partners also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana's health strategy. Together with national health institutions, partners aim to rapidly widen access to screening, vaccination, and treatment services in every region.
