Tanzania has joined the global observance of World Hepatitis Day with a renewed call for early detection and prevention of liver disease, as Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) launched a two-day campaign offering free hepatitis screening, liver health assessments and hepatitis B vaccinations.
The initiative is designed to improve early diagnosis, raise public awareness and reduce the burden of liver cancer, one of the most serious complications associated with chronic hepatitis B and C infections.
Speaking during the commemoration in Dar es Salaam, Muhimbili's Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist and Head of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Dr Swaleh Kitabu Pazi, said members of the public would receive free hepatitis testing and liver function assessments, while those found not to be infected with hepatitis B would be vaccinated at no cost.
Dr Pazi said this year's World Hepatitis Day theme highlights the importance of expanding access to testing and treatment, noting that hepatitis B and C remain among the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide.
"The goal is to detect the disease before complications develop. Early diagnosis allows patients to receive treatment in time and significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer," he said.
He noted that the campaign also targets people taking medications that may affect liver function, allowing health professionals to assess liver health and initiate treatment where necessary.
According to Dr Pazi, an estimated 1.3 million people die globally each year from complications linked to hepatitis B and C. He warned that many patients only seek medical attention after developing advanced liver disease.
"The greatest challenge is that hepatitis often has no symptoms in its early stages. Many patients come to hospital only after they begin vomiting blood, develop fluid in the abdomen, jaundice or advanced liver cancer," he said.
He added that Muhimbili continues to receive an increasing number of patients suffering from severe liver complications, many of whom were unaware they had hepatitis until the disease had reached an advanced stage.
Dr Pazi urged Tanzanians to embrace routine health screening, stressing that hepatitis B is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination. While newborns receive the vaccine shortly after birth, adults who have never been vaccinated should complete the recommended three-dose schedule to protect themselves from infection.
Supporting the campaign, Country Brand Manager of Mega We Care Tanzania Ltd, Mengi Ntasimba, said the company has partnered with Muhimbili by providing medical supplies, medicines and facilitating healthcare personnel as part of its commitment to improving public health.
He said Mega We Care has operated in Tanzania for more than two decades and considers the partnership part of its corporate social responsibility, while complementing government efforts to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases.
"We encourage Tanzanians to take advantage of the free screening, testing and hepatitis B vaccination services while they are available. Early detection and prevention are essential in reducing the burden of liver disease," Mr Ntasimba said.
He added that the company will continue collaborating with healthcare institutions to support disease prevention and health promotion initiatives across the country.
The campaign is expected to boost public awareness of hepatitis, encourage early diagnosis and strengthen national efforts to reduce preventable deaths caused by liver disease.