Ghana: efforts to prevent childhood hepatitis B laudable

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced its intention to introduce a vaccine for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to be administered to babies at birth.

The administration of the at-birth-dose vaccine, to be done within 24 hours of birth, is going to be made part of the country’s current childhood immunisation programme.

We stand by our conviction that the GHS is doing a yeoman’s job by always trying to address problems that would undermine the good health of the people.

While we would belabour the point if we make any attempt to chronicle the efforts of the GHS, we can also be found wanting as it will be difficult for us to paint the full picture of its efforts.

Based on their efforts over the years, we believe the leadership of the GHS would certainly carry through their intention to introduce the at-birth Hepatitis B vaccination.

We are elated at the move because the disease is a viral infection that can be acute or chronic and the chronic does great damage to the liver and eventually kills the patient.

The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) spreads through direct contact with the blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids of the carrier and so sex is a major contact avenue for its spread.

For unborn children, the most common way for them to become infected is if they are born to mothers with the virus.

By allAfrica

https://allafrica.com/stories/202307270463.html