How undiagnosed Hepatitis B is driving liver cancer rates in Africa

“You may feel perfectly healthy and still be living with hepatitis B without knowing it. The virus can quietly damage your liver for years, with symptoms sometimes appearing only after serious complications have developed. Although hepatitis B is preventable, it remains a leading cause of liver cancer and premature death worldwide. Much of this suffering can be avoided through vaccination, a simple blood test, and effective treatment,” writes Dr Chris Opio, associate professor, Aga Khan University Medical College and consultant gastroenterologist & hepatologist at Aga Khan University Hospital. Vaccination remains the best protection against hepatitis B. Every child should receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 24 hours, followed by the remaining doses according to the national immunisation schedule.