Early hepatitis screening saves lives- Experts

MWANZA: HEALTH experts have urged Tanzanians to undergo regular hepatitis screening and vaccination, stressing that collective efforts are essential to eliminate the disease by 2030 as the government continues strengthening prevention and treatment programmes.

Speaking during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day at Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital in Mwanza recently, Head of the hospital’s Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Dr David Majinge, said the government has made significant progress in controlling Hepatitis by introducing the hepatitis vaccine into the national childhood immunisation programme in 2002 and providing treatment for patients with hepatitis B and C.

The event was held under the theme, “Break the Barriers, Eliminate Hepatitis.” Dr Majinge said hepatitis remains a major public health challenge globally and nationally despite ongoing interventions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 240 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B infections, with Africa accounting for 68 per cent of new infections and 75 per cent of hepatitis-related deaths.

He said the 2023 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey shows that 3.5 per cent of Tanzanians are living with hepatitis B, while 0.2 per cent are infected with hepatitis C.

Dr Majinge attributed the increasing number of hepatitis B-related deaths to poor treatment adherence and late diagnosis, noting that many infected people seek medical care only after developing severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

ALSO READ: Free Hepatitis screening detects several infections

“The biggest challenge is that many people discover they have the disease only after the liver has already been severely damaged, making treatment more costly and reducing the chances of recovery,” he said.

He noted that the government, in collaboration with development partners, has integrated hepatitis, HIV and sexually transmitted infection services to improve access to diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Majinge explained that hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted through contaminated food and water, while hepatitis B, C and D spread through infected blood, unsterilised sharp instruments, unprotected sexual intercourse and mother-to-child transmission.

Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital Director General, Dr Sr Alicia Massenga, encouraged residents of the Lake Zone to utilise free screening, counselling and vaccination services, noting that about 10 per cent of people in the region are affected by hepatitis.