The Bia West District recorded the highest number of viral hepatitis cases in the Western North region in 2025, according to surveillance data from the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Paulina Clara Appiah, disclosed this during the regional commemoration of World Hepatitis Day held in Bibiani.
The event was held under the global theme: “Elimination for Everyone, Everywhere, Right Now.”
According to Dr Appiah, the region recorded a total of 693 viral hepatitis cases in 2025, with the highest numbers reported in Bia West, Aowin, Juaboso, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, and Sefwi Wiawso.
She stressed that the figures represent real people whose lives and productivity could be protected through early detection, prevention, and timely treatment.
Dr Appiah also appealed to the public to stop stigmatizing people living with hepatitis, warning that discrimination could discourage affected persons from seeking testing and treatment and ultimately contribute to the spread of the disease.
She emphasised that everyone is at risk of contracting viral hepatitis and urged residents to regularly screen and know their status while adopting healthy lifestyles and preventive measures.
The Regional Director further highlighted the government’s Free Primary Health Care Policy, describing it as a major intervention that places prevention and health promotion at the centre of healthcare delivery.
She explained that the policy is aimed at ensuring equitable access to essential health services for individuals, families, and communities, thereby strengthening efforts to eliminate hepatitis and other preventable diseases.
Dr Appiah called on traditional leaders, religious organisations, civil society groups, the media, and community members to support the Ghana Health Service by intensifying public education and encouraging voluntary testing.
The World Hepatitis Day commemoration in Bibiani brought together health professionals, traditional authorities, students, and residents to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, promote early diagnosis and treatment, and strengthen collective efforts to eliminate the disease in the Western North Region and Ghana as a whole.
500,000 people in Ashanti Region living with Chronic Hepatitis B – Health Directorate
