Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa: the current status and recommendations for achieving elimination by 2030
Mark W Sonderup1, Mary Afihene2, Reidwaan Ally3
1Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences and Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Despite advances in hepatitis C treatment, data scarcity and unique regional hurdles require tailored strategies and collaborative efforts for effective viral hepatitis control.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sub-Saharan Africa bears a high burden of viral hepatitis, particularly chronic hepatitis B and C.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) aims for viral hepatitis elimination by 2030.
- Significant challenges exist in sub-Saharan Africa, including data scarcity and region-specific issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address key issues concerning hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa.
- To provide expert recommendations for hepatitis C elimination strategies in the region.
- To guide the development of effective hepatitis C programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
Main Methods:
- Expert consensus-based recommendations.
- Review of prevalence, risk factors, and fibrosis assessment for hepatitis C.
- Development of simplified diagnostic and treatment algorithms.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis C elimination is achievable but requires navigating unique regional challenges.
- Data scarcity complicates strategy development but should not delay interventions.
- Sharing experiences can foster supranational synergies for hepatitis C programs.
Conclusions:
- Simplified diagnostic and treatment approaches are recommended for both HIV co-infected and mono-infected patients.
- Political will and adequate funding are crucial for implementing hepatitis C elimination strategies.
- Collaborative, cohesive efforts are essential to tackle the hepatitis C burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract:
In 2016, WHO adopted a strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. Africa, and more specifically, sub-Saharan Africa, carries a substantial portion of the global burden of viral hepatitis, especially chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections. The task that lies ahead for sub-Saharan Africa to achieve elimination is substantial, but not insurmountable. Major developments in the management of hepatitis C have put elimination within reach, but several difficulties will need to be navigated on the path to elimination. Many of the challenges faced are unique to sub-Saharan Africa and the development of strategies is complicated by a scarcity of good data from countries and regions within sub-Saharan Africa. However, this hindrance should not act as a barrier to delay interventions in screening, detection, and linkage to care. Moreover, by sharing experiences from across sub-Saharan Africa, countries can create supranational synergies to develop their programmes and work together in a more cohesive manner to tackle the burden of hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa. In this Series paper, several issues related to hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa are addressed, including prevalence, risk factors, and fibrosis assessment, and recommendations are given by experts from across the region. Simplified diagnostic algorithms and treatment regimens for both HIV co-infected and hepatitis C mono-infected patients are suggested. The recommendations are consensus based and provided to guide the development of programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. Political will and appropriate funding will be required to provide impetus to implement these recommendations.
