On ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐, to mark ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒ, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar is uniting with the international community to raise awareness and combat viral hepatitis, a major health challenge in Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 91 million Africans are living with hepatitis B or C, two of the most lethal forms of the virus.
Around 70% of the world’s hepatitis B cases are concentrated in Africa, disproportionately affecting children. In Senegal, a highly endemic region, the prevalence of chronic HBV infection is alarmingly high, ranking among the highest in the world at between 10% and 17%. In response to this public health emergency, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar is distinguished by its cutting-edge research and concrete action.
Our efforts are focused on diagnosing and monitoring hepatitis B, especially in children, pregnant women, and chronic carriers. We concentrate on identifying signs of chronic hepatitis B, co-infections with hepatitis Delta, and finding the variants or genotypes that cause treatment failures. We also track immunity levels. These elements are crucial in preventing severe diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Itโs important to highlight the vital programs carried out by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, through the Biomedical Laboratory and the Virology Unit, on hepatitis in Africa, particularly hepatitis B and, more recently, hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is a significant health issue with 20 million infections every year, and pregnant women are especially at risk. Our research aims to better understand hepatitis E and develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
On this day of awareness, we call for stronger national and international efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis in Africa and around the world.
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