Keta: The Keta Municipal Health Directorate in the Volta Region engaged the public in educational activities to raise awareness about hepatitis during World Hepatitis Day, observed on Monday, July 28, 2025. The initiative aimed to inform the community about the causes, types, prevention methods, and effects of hepatitis on individuals and communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Dora Kugbonu, the Public Health Promotion Officer at Keta Health Directorate, highlighted the seriousness of hepatitis, which is characterized by liver inflammation, often resulting from viral infections. She identified the five main types of hepatitis viruses-A, B, C, D, and E-each with different transmission modes and potential liver damage levels.
Madam Kugbonu explained that viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, and certain medications could cause hepatitis. Transmission could occur through contaminated food and water, blood-to-blood contact, and sexual contact. She urged the public to visit the nearest health center upon experiencing unusual symptoms, emphasizing the importance of prevention through early detection, vaccination, good hygiene, avoiding shared personal items, and safe injection practices.
She also stressed the significance of the hepatitis B vaccine, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission during birth, and encouraged pregnant and lactating mothers to seek hospital screening and treatment. Hepatitis can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, with chronic B and C infections potentially resulting in severe liver damage and death if untreated.
Madam Kugbonu emphasized that public education and awareness are crucial in preventing hepatitis spread. Understanding the disease's causes, types, and prevention methods enables individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones. The Keta Municipal Health Directorate's efforts in educating the community through various platforms were commended as a positive step toward reducing hepatitis burden.
She noted that hepatitis B is treatable, while hepatitis C is curable, urging the public to get tested and vaccinated. People living with hepatitis B can lead normal lives with proper management.
Additional information from GNA indicated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) plays a vital role in promoting hepatitis awareness and education globally, aiming to eliminate it as a public health threat by 2030. WHO resources and guidelines support healthcare professionals and communities worldwide.
The agency also reported approximately 6,000 new daily infections of hepatitis B and C, with only a fraction of the 304 million people living with hepatitis globally receiving treatment. The public was advised to report any health concerns to local healthcare centers for screening to prevent adverse outcomes.
The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day was, 'Let's Break it Down.'