Bo, Kono, Tonkolili, Port Loko, and Western Rural Lead in Hepatitis B Cases, New Data Reveals
Osman Tolo Sesay Newly released health data to mark World Hepatitis Day has revealed that Bo, Kono, Tonkolili, Port Loko, and the Western Rural District carry the highest burden of Hepatitis B in Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile, Kenema, Bonthe, Kambia, and again Tonkolili is leading in reported cases of Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis is an infectious viral disease primarily affecting Africa and the Western Pacific. The figures, released by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with development partners, estimate that over one million Sierra Leoneans are currently living with chronic Hepatitis B.
An additional 192,000 people are believed to be infected with Hepatitis C. These findings highlight a pressing public health concern that remains largely unrecognized due to delayed diagnoses and the impact of stigma.
Health officials noted that the challenges of combating hepatitis in the country stem not only from gaps in healthcare infrastructure but also from widespread misinformation and limited public awareness. According to the Ministry, the low uptake of hepatitis testing and treatment is significantly influenced by fear of social exclusion and lack of accurate information about the disease.
To address these challenges, the Ministry is calling for a multifaceted response that combines medical interventions with community-level engagement. Current initiatives are focused on expanding screening and vaccination efforts, particularly in under-resourced areas such as Karene, Falaba, and Koinadugu districts. These areas often face barriers to access, making them vulnerable to underreporting and missed treatment opportunities.
The Ministry also emphasized the need for capacity building among health professionals, as well as partnerships with traditional authorities, religious institutions, and youth leaders to combat stigma and improve community acceptance of those living with hepatitis.
“Ending hepatitis is not only about medicine. It’s about people, and that requires a shift in how we see, support, and treat those affected,” a senior Ministry official stated.
As part of the World Hepatitis Day commemoration, various awareness-raising activities including mobile testing drives, community education sessions, and media campaigns were conducted across districts.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, urging all citizens to take advantage of free testing and vaccination services and to support efforts aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination.
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