Statistics on Hepatitis B
In 2022, 254 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B disease.
Every year, 1.1 million people die from the virus, and approximately 1.2 million people are infected annually. This is a very high number, especially since there is a vaccine that is considered effective and safe.
One of the hotspots for hepatitis B is the African continent, home to almost 65% of newly infected individuals. This represents approximately 8% of the world’s population , according to the latest WHO statistics. West and Central Africa are particularly affected. Of the 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, 15 are classified as highly endemic . This clearly demonstrates that prevention efforts in Africa are not yet sufficiently effective.
Cameroon is among the hardest-hit countries. The area around the hospital in Békoko/Babenga has an average infection rate of approximately 17% . Infection usually occurs through unprotected sex and blood donations that are not laboratory tested.
campaign
Therefore, in July , Hope and Life Cameroun conducted a prevention campaign in four villages within its catchment area. While the results were quite encouraging and better than expected by the clinic staff, they unfortunately also brought with them a welcome dose of disappointment regarding the Cameroonian Ministry of Health.
The goal of testing at least 200 people was far exceeded, with 384 people tested. Unfortunately, 22 people tested positive, two of whom had to be immediately hospitalized due to life-threatening liver function tests.
At the same time, information about the disease was provided, and those who tested negative were offered the opportunity to be vaccinated against hepatitis B at the clinic in the coming months. Unfortunately, this vaccination campaign cannot begin immediately, as the vaccine is currently unavailable in Cameroon , despite repeated inquiries to the Ministry of Health.
The hospital staff will stay on top of things and inform all those who participated in the campaign about the vaccination option as soon as the vaccine is available again .
Once again, a big thank you to Hope and Life Cameroun , our local partner NGO , which supported and carried out the campaign.
