The prevalence of hepatitis B is over 10% in the central groundnut basin, said Karim Diop, Secretary General of the Framework for consultation, coordination and advocacy actions by civil society for health in Senegal (3 Cap-Santé). “In April, we were in the groundnut basin, where the prevalence of hepatitis B is over 10%,” he said.

Dr Diop was moderating a panel discussion in Dakar on Saturday, as part of the World Health Day celebrations on April 7.

“Our health, our rights” was the theme of this year’s event.

“Screenings conducted have shown that hepatitis B affects many young people, causing them cirrhosis, a chronic inflammation of the liver that destroys liver cells,” he explained.

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“Unfortunately, if you go to Kaolack, you’ll see that many young people are hospitalized with cirrhosis, i.e. liver cancer,” lamented Dr Diop.

He called for the “implementation of an arduous program of screening, prevention and vaccination of children at birth against hepatitis B”.

Karim Diop announced that a concept note would be sent to the authorities with recommendations for solutions to this health problem.

“The State will not be able to do everything, but it can reinforce the momentum that has already been built”, he stressed.