Hepatitis B Affects 9.1% of Ghana's Population

Hepatitis B remains a significant public health challenge globally, with over 254 million individuals affected and 1.1 million deaths attributed to the disease in 2022. In Ghana, the prevalence of Hepatitis B is particularly concerning, affecting approximately 9.1% of the population, with a high incidence of liver cancer linked to the virus. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate Hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030, and the Ghanaian government has committed to this goal. In the UK, the NHS is expanding its blood-borne virus testing program, including Hepatitis B, to emergency departments, aiming to facilitate early detection and treatment. A recent study has also shown that a new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, is more effective than standard boosters in ensuring immunity among healthcare workers. These developments highlight ongoing efforts to combat Hepatitis B and improve public health outcomes.