Kenya joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Hepatitis Day under the theme “Let’s Break It Down”, with a high-profile event held in Mombasa. The occasion brought together healthcare workers, individuals living with viral hepatitis, community representatives, and policy stakeholders, all united by a common goal to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.
Hepatitis is fast becoming a public health crisis, especially in Kenya’s Coast region, where the exposure prevalence is estimated at 25%, with nearly 60% of cases being chronic. Across the continent, the burden is even heavier, with over 4.5 million African children under five living with chronic Hepatitis B, making up 70% of the global burden in that age group.
Locally, Kenya records approximately 124,000 deaths annually due to hepatitis-related complications. Startlingly, 9 out of 10 children exposed to the virus end up developing chronic infections. Experts argue that to meet global elimination targets, prioritizing the health of women and children is non-negotiable.
Under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating hepatitis through several strategic interventions. These include the promotion of Hepatitis B vaccination, harm reduction programs for Hepatitis C, and the integration of hepatitis services into the Social Health Authority’s essential benefits package. Additionally, there is a push to strengthen data systems to ensure equitable treatment access and better disease surveillance.
Efforts also include scaling up training for healthcare providers to improve early detection, referral, and treatment of hepatitis cases using Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs). These therapies offer a 90% cure rate within just three months of treatment.
Substance and alcohol abuse have been identified as major contributors to increased hepatitis vulnerability. An estimated 10% of Kenyans aged 15–65 years suffer from alcohol use disorders, with 60% showing severe dependence. Even more worrying, by 2019, one in five adolescents had already used a substance.
The message of the day was clear stigma, misinformation, and poor access to care must be dismantled. With coordinated action and sustained investment, a hepatitis-free Kenya is within reach. The theme “Let’s Break It Down” serves as a call to unify voices, deepen awareness, and ensure that those affected feel supported, empowered, and cared for.
