The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has commemorated World Hepatitis Day 2026 with a renewed national commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. The event featured the inauguration of a National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group and the appointment of celebrated musician Okyeame Kwame as Ghana’s National Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis.
Held under the global theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” the commemoration brought together policymakers, health experts, development partners, and industry stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s response to the disease, which affects an estimated 10 percent of the population.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Chief Director Desmond Boateng described hepatitis as a pressing public health concern requiring sustained commitment, collaboration, and community involvement. He announced plans to expand critical interventions, including the nationwide rollout of the Hepatitis B birth‑dose vaccine to protect newborns. Boateng urged the public to prioritize regular screening, stressing that early detection saves lives and is key to achieving a hepatitis‑free Ghana by 2030.
Director‑General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate hepatitis services into primary healthcare. Experts at the event revealed that approximately three million Ghanaians are living with Hepatitis B and more than 500,000 with Hepatitis C.
A major highlight was the appointment of Okyeame Kwame, who has dedicated over 15 years to advocacy and free screening campaigns. The artist unveiled a new awareness song aimed at encouraging testing and reducing stigma, pledging to use his platform to mobilize communities in the fight against hepatitis.
Stakeholders, including development and industry partners, pledged support to expand access to testing, vaccines, and treatment nationwide, reinforcing Ghana’s determination to meet the global target of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
Leave a Reply