Hepatitis A|B|C|D|E In Ghana: A Practical Guide For Everyone 💉⚠️🦠

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis means inflammation (swelling) of the liver. The liver is very important—it removes toxins from blood, helps digest food, and stores energy. When it is inflamed, it cannot work well, leading to serious health problems [1].

Types of hepatitis:

Image: Hepatitis can be caused by a germ eg virus

1. A, B, C, D, E → caused by viruses
2. Alcohol hepatitis → from too much alcohol
3. Autoimmune hepatitis → body’s immune system attacks the liver [1][2]

Image: Alcohol hepatitis is caused by alcohol

Hepatitis B: Why It Matters in Ghana

1. Hepatitis B is the most common type in Ghana [2].
2. A blood test (HBsAg) shows if you have it.
3. Chronic hepatitis B can cause liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, or liver cancer if not treated [2][3].

How Hepatitis B Is Spread

Image: Hepatitis B spreads through unprotected sex

1. Contact with infected blood or body fluids
2. Unprotected sex with someone infected
3. Mother-to-child during childbirth
4. Sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes [1][2]

❌ You cannot get it from hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food.

Sweat does not spread hepatitis B.

Image: Fatigue/tiredness

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Many people show no symptoms at first (incubation period 1–6 months).

When they appear, they may include:

1. Fatigue (tiredness)
2. Loss of appetite
3. Nausea/vomiting
4. Abdominal pain (upper right side)
5. Dark urine
6. Yellow eyes/skin (jaundice)
7. Joint/body pains [1][3]

Image: Nausea & vomiting

Other Types of Hepatitis

1. Hepatitis A & E → from dirty food/water; often short-term
2. Hepatitis C → spread through blood; may become chronic
3. Hepatitis D → occurs only in people with hepatitis B [1]

Image: Testing

Testing

1. Hepatitis B test kit can detect HBsAg.
2. If positive for more than 6 months, it usually means chronic hepatitis B.
3. Pregnant women who are positive need antiviral treatment and their babies need hepatitis B vaccine + immunoglobulin at birth [2][4].

Image: Treatment

Treatment

Is It Curable?

1. No complete cure yet for chronic hepatitis B.
2. Treatment reduces virus level (“viral load”) and protects the liver [1].

Medicines

1. Tenofovir 300 mg
2. Entecavir
3. These lower virus levels and prevent damage [3][5].

⚠️ Herbal products like COA mixture, Nibima, Vikil 20, Livopat are not scientifically proven to cure hepatitis B. Always check with a doctor [5].

Image: Stopping medications on your own can be dangerous

How Long to Take Medicine?

1. Some need lifelong treatment.
2. Others may stop only if the doctor confirms stable results for years.
3. Stopping suddenly is dangerous—it may cause liver “flare-ups” [3].

Image: Vaccination

Image: Use protection

Prevention

1. Vaccination: Part of Ghana’s child immunization programme; adults can also get it [2].
2. Safe sex: Use condoms.
3. Don’t share sharp objects: Razors, needles, toothbrushes.
4. Blood screening: Make sure blood is tested before transfusion.
5. Pregnancy care: Positive mothers should attend antenatal care for safe management [2][4].

Image: Fruits and veggies boost immune system

Diet & Lifestyle

1. Eat: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, chicken.
2. Avoid: Too much oil, alcohol, processed foods, sugary drinks [3][5].
3. Examples in Ghana:
4. Breakfast: koko with nuts
5. Lunch: brown rice with beans or plantain and light soup (less oil)
6. Dinner: kontomire stew with fish

Image: Questions ?

FAQs

1. Can hepatitis B be cured fast? → No. Only controlled with long-term care.
2. Is hepatitis B contagious? → Yes, through blood and fluids.
3. Can I live long with it? → Yes, if you take medicines and follow up regularly.
4. Where to get treatment in Ghana? → Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye, Tamale Teaching Hospital, regional hospitals, and some private clinics [2][4].

Image: Time to talk to your doctor

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is serious but manageable.

1. Get tested.
2. Vaccinate.
3. Follow your doctor’s plan.
4. Eat well and avoid alcohol.

With the right care, Ghanaians with hepatitis B can live long, healthy lives.

References

1. World Health Organization (2023). Hepatitis Fact Sheet. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int
2. Ghana Health Service (2022). National Guidelines on Viral Hepatitis. Accra: GHS.
3. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital – Liver Unit (2023). Annual Report on Hepatitis Management.
4. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (2022). Antenatal Guidelines for Hepatitis B Management. Kumasi: KATH.
5. Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (2021). Advisory on Herbal Medicines and Hepatitis Claims.