Tanzania joins global push to end hepatitis as cases soar

Iringa.  As the world observes World Hepatitis Day on July 28, health experts are calling for urgent and unified efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis, a disease that inflames the liver and can lead to severe complications, including liver cancer.

This year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” urges governments, health providers and communities to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder testing, vaccination and treatment.

In Iringa, Dr Alfred Mwakalebela, the Acting Medical Officer in Charge at the Regional Referral Hospital, emphasised that hepatitis remains a growing public health threat in Tanzania.

 “Thousands die every year, yet many of these deaths are preventable through early detection and treatment,” he stated during commemorations at the hospital.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of free screening services and to avoid waiting until symptoms appear. “Hepatitis is preventable and treatable, especially when diagnosed early,” he stressed.

Dr Mwakalebela explained that the disease can be transmitted through infected bodily fluids, including blood, sweat, and saliva, as well as through unprotected sex, shared needles, and unsterilised tools in salons or tattoo parlours.

He urged parents to ensure that their newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C, many of whom are unaware of their infection.

In Tanzania, hepatitis B remains a significant burden.

Success stories from countries like Egypt, where over 60 million people have been screened and millions treated free of charge, highlight what is possible.

Egypt also achieved gold-tier status for hepatitis C elimination in 2023 and hepatitis B control in 2024.

WHO officials state that global elimination is within reach, but only if there is political will, sustained funding, and prioritised integrated health services.