Kenya joined the global community in marking World Hepatitis Day with vibrant national celebrations held in Mombasa County on July 28, 2025. Under the theme “Let’s Break It Down,” the event emphasized the urgent need to dismantle barriers such as stigma, misinformation, and limited access to hepatitis care and services.
Hepatitis B and C continue to pose a significant public health threat in Kenya, with many cases going undetected until advanced liver damage has occurred. These infections are primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact or the sharing of contaminated needles. The silent nature of the disease means that most individuals remain unaware of their status until serious complications like liver cirrhosis or cancer arise.
During the event, health officials underscored the scale of the challenge, pointing out that Africa accounts for 63% of the global hepatitis B burden. With over 64 million people affected and more than 124,000 deaths annually, the continent is at the heart of the global hepatitis crisis.
Local and national health leaders, including directors overseeing family health and HIV/AIDS programs, gathered alongside community representatives and implementing partners to reaffirm their dedication to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat. Their collective focus is on strengthening prevention, expanding access to testing and treatment, and intensifying public education efforts.
A central message was the importance of increasing awareness. Many Kenyans remain unaware of their hepatitis status, primarily due to the silent progression of the disease. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, the risk of severe liver complications significantly increases.
In response, Kenya is scaling up its public health interventions. Through the National AIDS & STI Control Programme (NASCOP), the Ministry of Health is driving nationwide campaigns to raise awareness, improve access to testing, and promote vaccination especially among high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs and individuals with multiple sexual partners.
As part of its long-term strategy, the government is working to integrate hepatitis services into routine healthcare. This includes making hepatitis testing and treatment readily available in public health facilities and ensuring vaccines are accessible to all. The ultimate goal is a hepatitis-free Kenya, achieved through coordinated action, informed communities, and a strengthened healthcare system.
