A medical officer at the Upper East Regional Hospital, Dr. Aaron Puplampu, has emphasised that getting screened to know one’s hepatitis B status is very important, as it helps reduce severe conditions.
Speaking during an interview on A1 Radio, Dr. Puplampu highlighted the major causes, transmission routes, and prevention strategies for hepatitis, with a call for increased public awareness and proactive health behavior.
Hepatitis, which is primarily caused by viral infections, can also result from other health and environmental factors. It poses a significant health threat, particularly due to its ease of transmission from person to person. There are two main types of transmission—vertical and horizontal—both of which are prevalent in Ghana.
“In terms of transmission, it can be transmitted from one person to the other. Basically, we have two forms of transmission: What we call the vertical transmission and then we have the horizontal transmission.”
According to Dr. Puplampu, vertical transmission, where the virus is passed from mother to child during childbirth, is noted to be especially high in regions like the Upper East. The infection can also be transmitted between children. Horizontal transmission, on the other hand, includes spread through sexual contact, exchange of bodily fluids, and contact with infected blood products—one of the most common forms of transmission.
He stressed that preventing hepatitis requires targeted efforts based on each transmission route. He reiterated the importance of proper blood screening before donation and ensuring safe injection practices to avoid infection. In cases of sexual transmission, consistent use of protection such as condoms is strongly recommended. “In terms of sexual contact, the use of protection, the use of condoms is advised,” he said.
Vaccination also plays a vital role in reducing the spread of hepatitis. He encouraged individuals who test negative to get vaccinated, which offers protection against future infection. “We have the case of vaccination. That is to reduce the transmission from one person to the other. We have the vaccines which we always encourage people to take, especially when you come and we screen you and you are negative.”
He however added that being vaccinated should not replace other preventive measures, as there are different types of hepatitis viruses that require continued caution.
Moreover, screening remains central to all prevention efforts. Knowing one’s hepatitis status enables individuals to take appropriate steps, whether it’s getting vaccinated or starting treatment early. “Screening is very important and we always encourage anyone who does not know their status to get screened.”
He further urged the public, especially those who have never been tested, to get screened and take action to protect their health and that of others.
This conversation became necessary as Ghana joins the world to mark this year’s World Hepatitis Day on the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
