Gabon health minister calls for national mobilization against viral hepatitis, responsible for 92% of liver cancers

Gabon is classified as a high-endemic country for these diseases, which are linked to 92% of primary liver cancers and 85% of cirrhosis cases. The minister emphasized the urgent need for screening, vaccination, and fighting stigmatization. According to the third Demographic and Health Survey EDS III 2019-2021, the prevalence of hepatitis B in Gabon is estimated at 5.8%.

Globally, viral hepatitis causes over 1.3 million deaths annually, with hepatitis B and C accounting for more than 95% of this mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that one person dies every 30 seconds from viral hepatitis. The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day, "Hepatitis, let's talk about it," aims to break the silence, combat stigmatization, and encourage people to get informed, tested, and access care.

In line with the WHO's goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, Gabon has implemented reforms since 2024. These include strengthened awareness campaigns, the introduction of hepatitis B vaccination at birth, generalized screening for pregnant women, and improved access to treatments, under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The minister also highlighted the necessity of creating a national program to structure the country's response to these disease