The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), through its Viral Hepatitis Outreach Programme (VHOP), commemorated this year’s World Hepatitis Day with a community health outreach at Danfa in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly.
A moment with Prof. Kusi as he addresses the community.
Organized in collaboration with MDS Lancet Laboratories, the OK Foundation, AngloGold Ashanti, the Ghana Health Service, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and Lab Mart Limited, the outreach brought essential healthcare services closer to the people of Danfa while raising awareness about the importance of hepatitis prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Held at the Danfa Polyclinic, the outreach offered free screening for Hepatitis B and C, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and anaemia, as well as free Hepatitis B vaccination for eligible participants. A total of 412 community members registered for the exercise, with 391 individuals screened. The screening identified 24 Hepatitis B-positive cases (6.1%), six Hepatitis C-positive cases (1.5%), and four malaria-positive cases (1.0%). In addition, 351 participants (89.8%) received the Hepatitis B vaccine, significantly expanding protection against the disease. Beyond the screening and vaccination services, participants received health education on viral hepatitis, with healthcare professionals highlighting the causes, modes of transmission, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Community members were encouraged to know their hepatitis status, adopt preventive health practices, and seek timely medical care where necessary. One-on-one counselling sessions also formed an integral part of the outreach, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, understand their test results, and receive personalized guidance on maintaining good liver health and accessing appropriate follow-up care.
A Glimpse of Our Commitment to Improving Community Health and Well-Being.
This year’s World Hepatitis Day was observed under the global theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” which calls for breaking down the barriers that limit access to hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and care. Supporting the outreach was renowned Ghanaian musician and hepatitis advocate Okyeame Kwame, who encouraged community members to know their hepatitis status, seek timely care, and help reduce the stigma associated with viral hepatitis.
Okyeame Kwame engaging the community during our World Hepatitis Day outreach, encouraging everyone to know their hepatitis status and help break the stigma.
The success of the outreach was made possible through the collective efforts of NMIMR’s VHOP team and the invaluable support of its partners, sponsors, associates, and the management and staff of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Their shared commitment continues to strengthen efforts to expand access to screening, vaccination, and public education while improving health outcomes in communities across Ghana.
As NMIMR commemorates World Hepatitis Day, the Institute reaffirms its commitment to research, public education, and community engagement in the fight against viral hepatitis. Through sustained partnerships and community-based interventions, NMIMR remains committed to supporting national and global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat, one community at a time.