Viral hepatitis amidst COVID-19 in Africa: Implications and recommendations

Hepatitis, a significant cause of mortality worldwide, results in around 1.34 million deaths each year globally. Africa is not exempt from the plague of Hepatitis. Around 100 million estimated individuals are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Egypt has the highest prevalence of cases of Hepatitis followed by Cameroon and Burundi. The continent is severely affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the virus has added an additional burden on the already fragile continent. With the pandemic, it is presumable that Hepatitis like other viral diseases will pose a threat to collapsing healthcare system. Therefore, for Africa to become more resilient in the face of such menaces, including Hepatitis, further prevention policies are required to be implemented

Automated summary

Hepatitis is a significant cause of mortality worldwide, with around 1.34 million deaths annually. Africa is not immune to this issue, with an estimated 100 million individuals infected with Hepatitis B or C. The continent, already fragile, is further burdened by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could potentially worsen the threat from viral diseases like Hepatitis. Strengthening prevention policies is essential for Africa to build resilience against such threats.