By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, July 28, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kenneh, has issued a sobering warning about the silent spread of Hepatitis B and C in the country, revealing that nearly one million citizens — approximately 13.8% of the population — are unknowingly infected with Hepatitis B. An additional 192,000 are exposed to Hepatitis C, according to official estimates.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day and the launch of the National Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan, Dr. Kenneh described hepatitis as “a quiet killer,” devastating lives and burdening the health system. “These numbers represent children, mothers, fathers silently battling a disease that destroys livers and claims lives. Most do not know they are infected until it’s too late,” he stressed.
Dire Consequences Without Intervention
Dr. Kenneh warned that hepatitis could surpass HIV and tuberculosis in mortality rates if left unaddressed, leading to a surge in liver cancer and preventable deaths — which in turn would impose a heavy toll on the nation’s economy.
Until now, hepatitis has remained virtually invisible in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, lacking dedicated programs, budget allocations, or a national response. But that is changing.
New Vaccine Program to Combat Mother-to-Child Transmission
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Directorate of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, announced the introduction of the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, aimed at preventing transmission from mothers to newborns.
Targets Set for 2030 The strategic plan outlines bold goals for the next five years: Cut new hepatitis infections by 50%; diagnose 90% of infected individuals; and ensure 80% of those needing care receive treatment.
Tackling Transmission Through Culture and Screening
Dr. Sulaiman Lakoh, Director of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, cited cultural practices — such as female genital mutilation and unprotected sex — among the contributors to hepatitis prevalence. He shared that Hepatitis B screening and treatment services have now been introduced in selected health facilities, with plans to expand nationwide.
In a significant move, hepatitis testing has also been integrated into HIV Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs, ensuring simultaneous screening for pregnant women.
Sierra Leone’s public health officials hope that these initiatives will turn the tide against hepatitis and finally bring visibility to a disease that, until now, has thrived in silence.