A public health call for action to address liver cancer and hepatitis in northern Ghana

Résumé

April 2024 saw the World Health Organization (WHO) release of the Global hepatitis report 2024: action for access in low- and middle-income countries 1 . The growing burden of hepatitis globally is particularly concerning given it leads to a severely high likelihood of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 2 . The World Hepatitis Alliance has called for hepatitis to be recognised for its role in causing cancer 3 as many liver cancer cases could easily be prevented through screening and vaccination 4 , 5 . This is not dissimilar to cervical cancer, which the WHO has launched a plan to eradicate 6 . Hepatitis disproportionately causes liver cancer in Africa; in 80% (28/35) of African countries surveyed, over 70% of liver cancer cases are attributed to the infection 7 . However, a lack of epidemiological data in Africa means levels are likely underestimated 8 as so many patients are being overlooked and underserved. We argue that countries such as Ghana bear a significant (but avoidable) burden and that several initiatives could be introduced relating to hepatitis and liver cancer.

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