Abuja: The Ministry of Health initiated the activities for World Hepatitis Day 2026 on Tuesday in Ouagadougou, under the theme "Hepatitis: Let's Break Down the Barriers" and the slogan "Hepatitis, Let's Talk About It." Health authorities urged the public to increase efforts in screening, vaccination, and access to care to support the Ministry's goal of elimination by 2030.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jo«l Arthur Kiendr©b©ogo, representing the Minister, stated that combating hepatitis is a national priority. He highlighted that 2025 data show a positivity rate of 2.9% for hepatitis B among pregnant women in prenatal consultations and 11.8% among their partners.
In the fight against this viral disease, Dr. Kiendr©b©ogo mentioned achievements like strengthening hepatitis B vaccination, finalizing a national guide for diagnosis and management, acquiring screening tests for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, and training health professionals.
He urged the population to utilize screening, vaccination, and access to government care, reiterating the commitment to eradicate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Natyon DieudonnSoma, coordinator of the Health sector program for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and viral hepatitis, stated that hepatitis B and C continue to pose a significant public health challenge in Burkina Faso due to their silent progression and complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
He noted that the commemoration aims to raise awareness about early detection, hepatitis B vaccination, and available treatments for hepatitis C. He announced awareness campaigns, local sessions, and a popular cross-country race to increase mobilization for this cause.
Maurice Konat©, the High Commissioner of Kadiogo Province and patron of the ceremony, called on local authorities, community and religious leaders, media, private sector, and civil society organizations to intensify campaigns to eliminate obstacles related to information, screening, vaccination, and care. He also emphasized fighting the stigma faced by people with viral hepatitis.
Dr.tienne Minzah Pekele, representing the World Health Organization (WHO) and health sector partners, reminded that viral hepatitis remains a global public health issue. He noted that by 2024, nearly 287 million people lived with chronic hepatitis B or C, and 1.34 million deaths were linked to these infections, mainly due to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
He confirmed partners' commitment to supporting the Burkinabe government in prevention, screening, and treatment interventions.
On behalf of civil society organizations, Dr. Ibrahim Koundaba praised Burkina Faso's progress against hepatitis. However, he pointed out barriers like the cost of certain tests, insufficient screening, and stigma that hinder access to care. He advocated for effective decentralization of care to bring services closer to rural populations.