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

ABSTRACT

Abstract 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 (HBV) or C (HCV). Egypt has the highest prevalence cases of Hepatitis followed by Cameroon and Burundi. The continent is severly affected by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the virus has added 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 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.