In a major milestone for public health in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) has officially launched the Hepatitis Community of Practice (HepCOP) at the African Hepatitis Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. This new initiative signals renewed momentum in the continent’s mission to eliminate viral hepatitis — a disease that silently affects millions across the region.
Hepatitis, often called a “silent killer,” causes severe liver damage and deaths each year, yet remains one of Africa’s most neglected health challenges. The WHO African Region accounts for 63% of global new hepatitis B infections, and only 18% of newborns receive the birth-dose vaccine — the most effective way to prevent transmission from mother to child. Limited awareness, under-diagnosis, and lack of treatment access continue to fuel the epidemic.
A Collaborative Step Toward Elimination
The creation of HepCOP (Hepatitis Community of Practice) is a strategic response to bridge these gaps. This regional platform will connect Ministries of Health, academia, civil society, community organizations, and healthcare partners from across Africa to share best practices, strengthen policies, and scale up prevention and treatment programs.
“Join us, share your expertise, and help shape the response,” urged Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Together, let’s move from fragmentation to focused collaboration.”
Key Focus Areas of HepCOP
The Community of Practice will drive progress in five critical areas to achieve hepatitis elimination in Africa by 2030:
- Strengthening national hepatitis strategies – improving planning, integration, and access to quality healthcare.
- Enhancing data systems and surveillance – ensuring reliable information to guide interventions.
- Promoting shared learning and regional best practices – empowering countries to learn from each other’s successes.
- Boosting advocacy and public awareness – increasing visibility and mobilizing resources for hepatitis programs.
- Advancing implementation science – bridging the gap between policy and practice with evidence-based action.
Countries Leading the Way
Initial HepCOP members include Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia — representing the first wave of countries committed to building a united regional front. More African nations are expected to join as momentum grows.
At the launch event, delegates and public health leaders expressed renewed enthusiasm and commitment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, funding, and innovation in driving progress. HepCOP is expected to strengthen national hepatitis programs, foster South-to-South cooperation, and position Africa as a global leader in hepatitis elimination.
A Vision for a Healthier Africa
The launch of HepCOP marks a turning point in Africa’s public health journey. With stronger collaboration, increased investment, and political commitment, the continent has a real chance to end hepatitis as a public health threat.
As WHO AFRO and partners move forward, HepCOP stands as a beacon of hope and innovation — bringing together countries, communities, and experts to protect millions of Africans from preventable suffering and death.