By Wendy Mkandawire
The Ministry of Health has urged Malawians to get tested to know their status, warning that Hepatitis B is very dangerous because it causes inflammation of the liver.
The call comes as the world commemorates World Hepatitis Day today, 28 July 2026, under the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi said many people only find out about the disease too late, which makes treatment difficult.
Baloyi noted that according to 2024 World Health Organization reports, 1.3 million people died from chronic Hepatitis B and C. She said these deaths are largely preventable through vaccination and early diagnosis.
The Minister added that government will integrate viral hepatitis services into existing HIV and primary health care services saying will include screening and treatment for Hepatitis B and C in all health facilities across Malawi.
According to Baloyi, thousands of people lose their lives every day to complications of chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“In Malawi, Hepatitis B remains the most prevalent form of viral hepatitis and continues to place a considerable burden on our health system. Although many people are living with chronic Hepatitis B infection, a significant proportion remain unaware of their status,” she said.
In his remarks, World Health Organization Representative to Malawi, Dr. Charles Njunguna, said available evidence indicates that Hepatitis B remains highly endemic in Malawi, with an estimated adult prevalence of approximately 8.1 percent. This means more than one in every 12 adults may be living with chronic Hepatitis B infection.
He said this year’s theme is a reminder of the need to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing life-saving services. These include limited awareness, stigma, late diagnosis, geographical challenges, and unequal access to testing and treatment services.
He added that by addressing these obstacles, Malawi can accelerate progress towards the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
“Malawi has made important progress through the Expanded Programme on Immunization, where Hepatitis B vaccination is routinely provided as part of childhood immunization services. Continued efforts to strengthen immunization coverage and introduce interventions that prevent mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B will be critical to reducing future infections,” he said.
Executive Director for Health Equity Network MEJN, George Jobe, said the introduction of the Hepatitis B vaccine is a commendable step in curbing Hepatitis. He encouraged citizens to go for early screening for Hepatitis.
Jobe identified stigmatization and lack of information as major challenges hindering efforts to address the disease in the country.
He appealed for joint collaboration among civil society organizations, church leaders, and community members to strengthen the fight against Hepatitis.
