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Viral hepatitis amidst COVID-19 in Africa: Implications and recommendations
Syeda Kanza Kazmi1, Fatima Muhammad Asad Khan1, Valentino Natoli2
1Department of General Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
Insights
Hepatitis B and C affect nearly 100 million people in Africa, straining healthcare systems already burdened by COVID-19. Enhanced prevention policies are crucial for Africa
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases
- Global Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B and C are major global health concerns, causing significant mortality.
- Africa faces a substantial burden, with an estimated 100 million individuals infected with Hepatitis B or C.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing health challenges in Africa, potentially overwhelming healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Africa.
- To underscore the compounded threat of viral hepatitis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To advocate for strengthened prevention strategies in Africa.
Main Methods:
- Review of global and continental Hepatitis prevalence data.
- Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on African healthcare infrastructure.
- Assessment of existing public health challenges related to viral infections.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B and C impact approximately 100 million people across Africa.
- Egypt, Cameroon, and Burundi show the highest prevalence rates.
- Viral diseases like Hepatitis pose a significant risk to fragile healthcare systems, especially during pandemics.
Conclusions:
- Urgent implementation of enhanced prevention policies is necessary for Africa.
- Strengthening public health resilience against viral hepatitis is critical.
- Addressing Hepatitis is vital for mitigating mortality and healthcare system collapse in Africa.
Abstract:
Hepatitis, a significant cause of mortality worldwide, results in around 1.34 million deaths each year globally. Africa is not exempt from the plague of Hepatitis. Around 100 million estimated individuals are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Egypt has the highest prevalence of cases of Hepatitis followed by Cameroon and Burundi. The continent is severely affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the virus has added an additional burden on the already fragile continent. With the pandemic, it is presumable that Hepatitis like other viral diseases will pose a threat to collapsing healthcare system. Therefore, for Africa to become more resilient in the face of such menaces, including Hepatitis, further prevention policies are required to be implemented.
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