By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has called on Malawians to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and care as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Hepatitis Day 2026.
This year’s observance is being held under the global theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” which emphasizes the need to eliminate obstacles that continue to hinder progress in the fight against viral hepatitis.
In a statement signed by Secretary for Health and Sanitation Dan Namarika, the Ministry said hepatitis B and C remain major public health concerns in Malawi despite the availability of effective vaccines, diagnostic services and treatment.
The Ministry noted that the two forms of viral hepatitis continue to cause serious health complications, including chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, making early detection and treatment essential.
According to the statement, the government has made significant progress in strengthening the country’s response to hepatitis through the expansion of hepatitis B vaccination programmes and increased screening services.
The Ministry also said it has enhanced laboratory capacity and integrated hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment into routine health services as part of efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
Despite these achievements, the Ministry acknowledged that several challenges continue to undermine progress in the national response to hepatitis.
Among the major obstacles identified are stigma and discrimination, widespread misinformation about the disease, low uptake of testing services and unequal access to healthcare in some parts of the country.
The Ministry warned that these barriers continue to delay early diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of severe illness and avoidable deaths among those living with hepatitis.
Health authorities stressed that greater public awareness and community participation are essential to ensuring that more people understand the disease and seek appropriate medical care.
The Ministry has therefore urged Malawians, particularly those at higher risk of infection, to know their hepatitis status by getting tested and to receive vaccination where they are eligible.
It also called on communities, healthcare workers, development partners and other stakeholders to work together in promoting prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment.
As Malawi commemorates World Hepatitis Day 2026, the Ministry says collective action will be critical to achieving the national goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 and building a healthier nation for future generations.
