{"id":21764,"date":"2025-09-18T14:40:34","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T12:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/?p=21764"},"modified":"2025-09-22T10:01:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T08:01:24","slug":"breaking-down-hepatitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newmediacreative.co.za\/afrocentric\/archives\/21764","title":{"rendered":"Breaking down hepatitis\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on 28 July, highlights the global effort to raise awareness of viral hepatitis and its profound impact on public health. The call to take individual and collection responsible action is clear. <\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This year\u2019s theme, \u201cLet\u2019s break it down\u201d, emphasises the deadly consequences of ignorance, delayed testing and limited access to treatment. For South Africa, where many remain unaware of their hepatitis B or C diagnoses, this theme is particularly poignant. In their recent newsletter, Dr Nkateko Msimeki and the Medscheme Health Policy Unit delved into South Africa\u2019s hepatitis burden, its unique challenges, and potential pathways to a healthier future.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Understanding hepatitis<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections \u2013 specifically hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses differ in transmission and severity. While hepatitis A and E often spread through contaminated food or water, hepatitis B, C, and D are bloodborne, transmitting through body fluids or unsafe medical practices. Chronic hepatitis B and C significantly contribute to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite preventive measures such as vaccinations (for hepatitis A and B), access gaps and limited routine screening leave many vulnerable to severe health complications.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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South Africa\u2019s hepatitis landscape <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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South Africa bears a high hepatitis burden, with chronic hepatitis B affecting an estimated 5%-7% of the population. Regions such as the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo experience the highest prevalence. Hepatitis C is rarer but presents significant risks among at-risk groups, such as people who inject drugs or individuals in detention. Despite the existence of curative therapies for hepatitis C, public sector access remains limited, with no nationwide screening programme in place.<\/p>

Co-infection with HIV worsens outcomes as hepatitis progresses faster in people living with HIV. However, current health systems inadequately integrate hepatitis screening into HIV programmes despite their overlapping risk factors.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Gaps in public and private sector responses <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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South Africa\u2019s public sector delivers hepatitis diagnostic services and HBV vaccinations through primary healthcare facilities, yet key gaps prevent comprehensive management of the disease. These include:<\/p>