Hepatitis is a viral virus causing an inflammation of the liver. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. In particular, types B and C cause 95% hepatitis related sickness and untimely deaths. Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water, a very common case in this under-developed country ranking at the bottom of the health care systems in the world….

In Africa, chronic viral hepatitis affects over 70 million Africans, and is prevalent in Sierra Leone.
There are low coverage rates of hepatitis B vaccination which does not meet the WHO recommendations. In September 2018 MCH reported 273 positive hepatitis B test out of 1,491 tests taken between the months of January and August 2018.

We would like to see Local health authorities make a coordinated effort to increase vaccination uptake, considering the cost-effectiveness of broad immunization against hepatitis B and incorporate more intensive training against blood-borne pathogens for Healthcare workers in Sierra Leone.