Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng is advocating for increased funding in the fight against hepatitis in South Sudan. On World Hepatitis Day in Juba, Deng highlighted the urgent need for action due to limited resources hindering treatment, prevention, and screening efforts in the country.
Dr. Mutale Nsakashalo Senkwe, representing the WHO in South Sudan, emphasized the importance of blood safety strategies to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B and C. The introduction of a hepatitis B growth dose and quality screening of donated blood can significantly reduce new infections.
Senkwe urged the government to embrace new technologies in diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments to work towards eliminating hepatitis by 2030. The celebration of World Hepatitis Day marked a milestone in this direction, with a hopeful outlook for the introduction of the hepatitis B growth dose in South Sudan.
With an annual observance on July 28, this year’s focus is on raising awareness about the significance of early testing and treatment. The Ministry of Health reports that approximately 10% of the South Sudanese population is living with chronic Hepatitis B and C infections.