March 25, 2026
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) School of Medicine (SOM) held a two-day free hepatitis screening, vaccination and public education exercise on the University’s campuses at Ho and Mawuli School, from July 28 to July 29, 2025 to mark this year’s World Hepatitis Day under the theme, ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break it Down.’
According to the World Health Organization, more than 350 million people worldwide live with chronic Hepatitis B or C, with Africa disproportionately affected. In Ghana, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) prevalence ranges between 8-12 percent, with healthcare workers and medical trainees particularly vulnerable.
Professor Yaw Asante Awuku, Dean of UHAS School of Medicine, speaking on the theme ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break it Down.’ highlighted outreaches, screening and vaccination as key preventive measures. He decried the perpetuation of stigma and declared that ‘By normalizing screening, vaccination and breaking down the stigma around Hepatitis, we move closer to eliminating this public health threat.’
Facilitators of the free Hepatitis screening, vaccination and public education exercise included medical doctors, faculty, students and public health nurses from UHAS and Ho Teaching Hospital.
The exercise featured interactive sessions during which the facilitators addressed issues concerning myths, stigma and misconceptions while highlighting the importance of screening, vaccination and healthy lifestyles, among others. Education was also provided on alcohol and drug related liver injury, herbal toxicity and metabolic liver diseases.
In all, over 500 students and staff were screened for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Individuals who tested positive were given counselling and referred for further specialist care.
The School intends to organize post-campaign follow-ups to ensure that the persons screened complete their vaccination and coordinate extensive care for persons who tested positive for hepatitis.