Why Cameroon Should Take Action Against Hepatitis B
In the bustling streets of Douala, Cameroon’s economic heartbeat, Blake Zuwui [Name Changed], a 48-year-old driver, was the epitome of health and vitality. Yet, beneath the surface, a silent threat lurked, unbeknownst to him and his loved ones. It was not until a festive family reunion in Bamenda that the veil of wellness was lifted, revealing a stark reality. The sharp pain that Blake dismissed as trivial was, in fact, a harbinger of a life-threatening condition: Hepatitis B.
Credit: Edouard TAMBA
The ordeal of Blake Zuwui is not an isolated tale but a reflection of a global health crisis. Hepatitis B, a viral infection that stealthily assaults the liver, is a silent epidemic that affects millions worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that in 2019, 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection, leading to 1.5 million new infections annually and contributing to an estimated 820,000 deaths each year. In Cameroon alone, the prevalence stands at a staggering 11.2%.
Blake Zuwui's story sheds light on the formidable barriers to Hepatitis care and treatment in Cameroon: the scarcity of testing, the pervasive ignorance about the disease, and the prohibitive costs associated with screening, diagnosis, and care. These obstacles are not insurmountable; they demand targeted solutions and a collective resolve to dismantle them.
Testing is the cornerstone of combating Hepatitis B. It is the gateway to identifying those at risk and ensuring they receive the necessary counseling, monitoring, and treatment to avert the progression to severe diseases such as liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Policymakers must expand screening initiatives beyond the confines of blood donations and administrative mandates, fostering a culture where regular testing becomes the norm.
Education is the next bastion in the fight against Hepatitis B. The lack of symptoms in the early and chronic stages of the disease, coupled with widespread unawareness, leads many to neglect their health. It is imperative to amplify educational efforts, particularly among the youth. Integrating comprehensive health discussions on Hepatitis B into the curricula of primary and secondary schools could significantly reduce transmission rates and instill a lifelong awareness of the disease and its prevention.
The financial barrier is perhaps the most daunting. The cost of treatment, which includes medications like tenofovir or entecavir, is beyond the reach of many. In Cameroon, the cumulative cost of tests required to diagnose and monitor Hepatitis B can amount to FCFA 59,000 (98 US Dollars), a sum that is unaffordable for the majority who rely on out-of-pocket healthcare payments. This financial strain is exacerbated for those who must travel to regional capitals for treatment, incurring additional expenses.
To counter these challenges, it is essential to consider potential objections. Some may argue that the financial investment required for widespread testing and affordable treatment is too great. However, the long-term benefits of such an investment — reduced transmission rates, improved quality of life for those infected, and a decrease in the future burden of the disease — far outweigh the initial costs.
The call to action is clear: Ministries of health must implement health schemes and insurance policies that alleviate the financial burden on patients living with Hepatitis B. Increased investment in healthcare infrastructure will not only curb transmission but also enhance the lives of those undergoing treatment.
In conclusion, Blake Zuwui's story is a clarion call for Cameroon, and indeed the world, to confront the barriers to Hepatitis B care and treatment head-on. By bolstering testing, elevating education, and surmounting the investment hurdle, we can thwart this silent killer and align with the global endeavor to eradicate Hepatitis B. The time for action is now; let us rise to the challenge and safeguard the health of generations to come.
