By Catherine K Conteh

MONROVIA, July 30 (LINA) – As countries around the world commemorate World Hepatitis Day, Dr. Caullau Jabbeh-Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health, has stressed the critical need for collective action in raising awareness about Hepatitis in Liberia.

The event held under the theme: "It's Time for Action," at the Ministry of Health’s Conference Hall on Monday, July 29, 2024, brought together health sector partners and professionals to discuss strategies for combating this silent killer.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Howe underscored the significant threat Hepatitis poses to healthcare workers and the general population, emphasizing the urgent need for widespread dissemination of information and resources.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate World Hepatitis Day, it is crucial that we increase awareness and understanding of this silent killer,” she noted.

According to her, hepatitis poses a significant threat to healthcare workers and caregivers, yet there is often limited information available to them.

She called for a concerted effort to equip healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and resources to protect themselves and others.

The MOH official cited that awareness is the first step towards prevention and treatment, adding that it is a collective responsibility to advocate for greater access to information and healthcare services, especially for those on the frontline.

Meanwhile, Dr. Howe disclosed the Ministry of Health plans to introduce a free Hepatitis B vaccine program, aiming to enhance public health and curb the spread of the disease.

“Together, we will continue to work towards a future free from the burden of Hepatitis, ensuring that every Liberian has the opportunity to live a healthy life,” she added.

She lauded participants and partners, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for all Liberians.

For his part, Dr. Moses Jeuronlon, WHO’s Adviser on HIV and Hepatitis in Liberia, highlighted the importance of affordable vaccine access and urged the Ministry of Health and partners to invest in cost-effective, high-impact interventions to address Hepatitis.

According to him, all pregnant women with chronic Hepatitis B must receive necessary treatments, and their newborns should have access to Hepatitis B vaccines at birth to prevent transmission.

He mentioned that achieving the World Health Organization’s targets for eliminating viral Hepatitis by 2030 requires strategic investment in equitable healthcare services.

“To eliminate Viral Hepatitis and meet our ambitious 2030 goals, we must prioritize accessible care and vaccination for all, particularly for pregnant women and infants,” Dr. Jeuronlon emphasized.

The observance of World Hepatitis Day included free Hepatitis B testing, providing critical health information, and early detection opportunities to attendees.

Hepatitis remains a significant public health threat, affecting over 325 million people globally and resulting in 1.3 million deaths annually due to complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

In Liberia, WHO reports a Hepatitis B prevalence of 13.5% among adults and 4.7% among children under five, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and intervention.