By Sirrah Touray
The Gambia joined the global community on Monday to mark World Hepatitis Day 2026 and called for dismantling barriers to testing, treatment and prevention to achieve viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. The event at the Central Medical Store, held under the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” convened officials from the Ministry of Health, WHO, MRCG, civil society and health workers.
Dr Sheikh Omar Bittaye, Head of the Liver Clinic at EFSTH, said hepatitis remains a significant public health burden, with more than 100 liver cancer cases recorded annually since 2012. He praised the National Hepatitis Control Programme for advances in birth‑dose vaccination and antenatal treatment and urged the government to expand liver clinics to Bansang and Farafenni. He emphasised the need to screen and vaccinate all healthcare workers.
Bakary Dibba, Research Coordinator at MRCG, said limited resources require patient stratification and prioritising those at highest risk of transmission. He highlighted the SARCA surveillance system as vital for early community detection to prevent complications and deaths from liver disease.
Dr Nathan Nbusuga Bayaita, WHO Country Representative, said science has delivered the tools to end hepatitis. He called on partners to ensure prevention, diagnosis and treatment are accessible to everyone without stigma or financial barriers.
Fatou Sanyang, Director of Health Services, announced that the government has validated the National Hepatitis Policy and Strategy 2026–2030. She noted concrete gains in timely birth‑dose vaccination and antenatal screening, and thanked partners including WHO, Africa CDC and MRCG for their support.
Mr Alieu Jallow of NASO urged stronger outreach to marginalised populations, stressing that eliminating stigma and improving access are essential to protect vulnerable groups.
Officials concluded that, with sustained investment, coordinated partnerships and active community engagement, The Gambia can eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat.
