Western North Health Directorate Urges Public to End Hepatitis B Stigma as Region Records 693 Cases

Western North Health Directorate Urges Public to End Hepatitis B Stigma as Region Records 693 Cases

The Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, has appealed to residents to stop stigmatizing people living with Hepatitis B, stressing that discrimination discourages infected persons from seeking timely medical care and support.

According to Dr. Appiah, the Ghana Health Service, with support from the government and partners, is implementing interventions aimed at drastically reducing Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections across the Western North Region and Ghana as a whole. She emphasized that Hepatitis is preventable, manageable, and treatable when detected early.

She made these remarks during the Western North Regional celebration of World Hepatitis Day, held in Bibiani under the global theme: "Elimination for Everyone, Everywhere, Right Now."

Dr. Appiah explained that the Regional Health Directorate has intensified public education, screening, vaccination, and awareness campaigns to ensure that more people know their Hepatitis status and access appropriate treatment without fear of discrimination.

She disclosed that the Western North Region has recorded 693 Hepatitis cases, with the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality reporting the highest number of infections in the region. This, she said, informed the decision to host this year's regional celebration in Bibiani.

The Regional Director cautioned that Hepatitis does not discriminate, noting that everyone is at risk of contracting the disease if proper preventive measures are not observed. She therefore urged residents to take advantage of available screening services, practice good hygiene, avoid sharing sharp objects, and seek medical attention whenever they suspect an infection.

Dr. Appiah also highlighted the government's Free Primary Health Care Policy, describing it as a major intervention designed to improve access to quality healthcare services and reduce the burden of preventable diseases, including Hepatitis.

Speaking at the event, Nana Akwasi Atoware II, Chairman of the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Health Committee and Chief of Sefwi Bassengele, encouraged residents to make Hepatitis testing a priority.

He said early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe complications associated with the disease, urging community members not to wait until symptoms appear before getting screened.

Nana Atoware II further appealed to traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and the media to support the Ghana Health Service in educating the public about Hepatitis and eliminating the stigma associated with the disease.

The World Hepatitis Day celebration brought together health professionals, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, students, and members of the public to raise awareness about Hepatitis prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and the importance of collective efforts to eliminate the disease.

Source: Bibianinews.com/Samuel Awuku Addo