Ouagadougou:The Burkinabe Society of Hepatogastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (SOBUHGEED) commenced its 4th congress with a focus on enhancing the management of liver diseases in Burkina Faso. The event, which began on Wednesday, facilitates scientific exchanges among national and international specialists.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the congress is themed "Liver Diseases Current Status and Perspectives" and includes health professionals, researchers, and experts from several countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Mali. Discussions center on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver diseases.
Professor Sosthène Somda, the national president of the organizing committee and head of the hepatogastroenterology department at the University Hospital Center of Bogodogo, highlighted the burden of viral hepatitis B and C on developing countries' health systems. These diseases often progress silently, leading to severe complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The congress also addresses liver diseases related to dietary habits and alcohol consumption. Professor Somda emphasized the risks associated with being overweight and obese, which can lead to significant liver damage due to fat accumulation. He advised adopting a balanced diet and limiting excessive alcohol intake.
Dr. Léonce Ilboudo, president of SOBUHGEED, noted that the meeting provides postgraduate training to update specialists' knowledge in hepatology, gastroenterology, and digestive endoscopy. He estimated that 70 to 80% of specialist consultations involve liver diseases, mainly of viral origin.
Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, the Minister of Health and patron of the ceremony, stated that liver diseases pose a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. He cited national data indicating prevalences of 9.1% for hepatitis B and 3.6% for hepatitis C.
The minister announced an ongoing survey on malaria and hepatitis indicators, aimed at providing updated data to guide health interventions. He recalled the adoption of a national framework in 2018 to combat viral hepatitis, focusing on prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Kargougou encouraged the strengthening of health interventions' coordination and the promotion of research, training, and collaboration among medical disciplines. He commended SOBUHGEED's efforts in training health professionals and expressed hope for actionable recommendations from the congress to improve national health policies.