Luanda: Angola is grappling with a 21% prevalence rate of hepatitis B, significantly surpassing the nation's human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevalence rate of approximately 1.6%, as revealed by a public health specialist from the World Health Organization (WHO), Ms. Nzuze Katondi. This information was disclosed during an event called "Roda da Saúde" (health roundtable) focused on viral hepatitis in Angola, highlighting a critical public health concern. According to Angola Press News Agency, Ms. Katondi emphasized the urgent need for increased public awareness and information dissemination about hepatitis in Angola. Despite efforts by healthcare professionals, she pointed out that involvement from the media and communities is crucial to effectively spread knowledge and raise awareness. The WHO specialist stressed that Hepatitis B can be prevented with a highly effective vaccine, and Hepatitis C is treatable with effective medications. Ms. Katondi urged for enha nced domestic funding to broaden access to diagnosis, vaccination, and treatment to help Angola reach the WHO's objective of eliminating hepatitis as a public health issue by 2030. She highlighted the limited public understanding of the risks linked to viral hepatitis, which can lead to chronic conditions and serious complications such as hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, a common type of liver cancer. The WHO expert also reported that viral hepatitis remains a significant global public health threat, with approximately 3,500 deaths daily. She noted that this figure might be underestimated due to underreporting of cases. In 2024, more than 268 million people worldwide are projected to face hepatitis B and C. The World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28, was established by the WHO to enhance awareness regarding prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of liver infections.
