Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health issues and can be fatal. Hepatitis is usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by drinking alcohol. Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver due to a viral infection. More information about hepatitis can be found here.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 325 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B and/or C. The number of deaths from viral hepatitis is now higher than the number of deaths from malaria, tuberculosis or HIV. The majority of deaths occur in resource-limited countries, especially in Africa. Africa is one of the most endemic areas in the world for viral hepatitis, but interventions to prevent, screen and treat viral hepatitis are very limited accross the continent, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The WHO Member States have endorsed a global hepatitis strategy and have called for elimination of Hepatitis B and C viruses by 2030.
The PROLIFICA programme is a unique research platform built on a strong epidemiological, clinical and scientific collaboration. The programme aims to fill the gaps in viral hepatitis research and intervention in Africa.