Ghana Health Service to Introduce Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccine to Curb Transmission

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), supported by its partners, is set to introduce a hepatitis B birth dose vaccine across health facilities. This move aims to reduce mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, following a 2023 survey revealing that 8.7% of pregnant women tested positive for the virus.

Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Head of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at GHS, highlighted that this new measure aligns with the GHS’s broader goals to enhance public health and achieve key health targets by 2030. He stressed the importance of delivering babies in health facilities to ensure they receive the hepatitis B vaccine.

Dr. Amponsa-Achiano made these remarks at a World Hepatitis Day event organized by the Greater Accra Region Health Service, Ablekuma-North Municipal Assembly, and the Rotary Club of Accra Cantonments-East. The event, themed “It’s Time for Action,” aimed to heighten awareness and promote preventive measures against viral hepatitis.

The GHS plans to intensify its campaigns to encourage hepatitis testing and vaccination, noting that fully vaccinated individuals do not require re-vaccination every decade. Dr. Amponsa-Achiano urged adults over 20 to visit health facilities for testing and emphasized the use of approved kits for accurate results.

He also called on municipal and district assemblies to lead efforts in raising awareness, facilitating testing, and connecting individuals to care. The GHS EPI Head recommended against using unauthorized herbal treatments due to their potential health risks. Recognizing the high cost of hepatitis medications, he assured that the ministry would collaborate with the Africa Medical Suppliers Platform and other partners to improve access to affordable treatments.