Ghana Marks World Hepatitis Day 2026 With Plan To Eliminate Virus By 2030

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has marked World Hepatitis Day 2026 with a renewed commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

Held under the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” the event on Monday brought together key stakeholders across the health sector to strengthen Ghana’s response to the disease, which affects about 10 percent of the population.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Chief Director Desmond Boateng described hepatitis as a serious public health concern. He stressed the need for sustained commitment, collaboration, and community involvement to tackle the disease.

Mr Boateng announced plans to expand critical interventions, including the nationwide rollout of the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine to protect newborns from infection at birth.

He urged the public to prioritise regular screening, saying 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 to improve access to testing and treatment at the community level.

Health experts at the event revealed that an estimated three million Ghanaians are living with Hepatitis B and over 500,000 with Hepatitis C.

A major highlight of the commemoration was the appointment of celebrated musician Okyeame Kwame as National Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis.

Recognised for more than 15 years of advocacy and free screening campaigns, he unveiled a new awareness song aimed at encouraging testing and reducing stigma around the disease.

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