Deputy Health Minister Backs Free Primary Healthcare to Tackle Hepatitis B Crisis

The Member of Parliament for Essikado and Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has raised critical concerns over the growing threat of Hepatitis B in Ghana.

Addressing Parliament, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah described Hepatitis B as a serious public health issue, revealing that approximately 4.6 million Ghanaians—representing 10.4% of the population—are currently living with the virus. She noted that Hepatitis B causes around 14,000 deaths annually in the country.

She explained that Hepatitis B and C are highly infectious diseases that can lead to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis—where the liver becomes damaged and dysfunctional due to fat accumulation—and ultimately liver cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ghana.

Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah emphasized that Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and bodily fluids. “Public health education is key to solving the Hepatitis B crisis,” she said. “People who engage in risky sexual behavior must be educated, as many Ghanaians infected with the virus are unaware of their condition.”

She highlighted the high prevalence and incidence of Hepatitis B in Ghana but expressed optimism that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to tackling the issue through the proposed Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program.

According to her, although children in Ghana currently receive Hepatitis B vaccinations at six weeks, ten weeks, and fourteen weeks, the introduction of a birth dose vaccine will begin in early 2026 as part of the FPHC rollout.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stated that the incoming NDC government is already working toward introducing this vital birth dose for newborns and expanding efforts to include national surveillance, adult vaccination, and continued public awareness campaigns.

She concluded that individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis B will be covered under the Free Primary Health Care package, ensuring access to necessary treatment and support.

Report by PKB