How does Ghana benefit from Egypt’s pledge to treat a million African patients?
Globally, approximately 58 million people are living with hepatitis C, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. Shockingly, four out of five individuals are unaware of their infection. Unlike diseases such as HIV and malaria, hepatitis C has not been a focal point of international health programs. Egypt’s decision to collaborate with Ghana, a country actively investing in its healthcare infrastructure, showcases a groundbreaking approach to global health.
An unexpected gift from Egypt has changed Ghana’s life. The Egyptian government, once burdened with the world’s highest rate of hepatitis C infections, has successfully conquered the virus and is now extending a helping hand to its African neighbors. As the NYTimes shared the inspiring story of Sulemana Musah, a resilient individual who dedicated seven years of his life and almost every Cedi to combating hepatitis C. His journey, which had been characterised by financial hardship and postponed dreams, took an unexpected turn when the Ghanaian government received a donation of life-saving medications from Egypt.
The scale of Egypt’s public health campaign to eliminate hepatitis C is nothing short of extraordinary. With an estimated one in 10 Egyptians chronically infected, the nation implemented widespread screenings, secured discounted drugs, and successfully treated almost the entire infected population. Now on the verge of achieving the World Health Organization’s goal for hepatitis C elimination, Egypt is leveraging its success into a unique form of “health diplomacy.” Instead of receiving aid from high-income nations, Egypt is pledging to donate drugs and share expertise, aiming to treat a million African patients.
Dr. Yvonne Ayerki Nartey, a physician at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, is leading Ghana’s response to hepatitis C. Despite challenges such as a shortage of hepatologists and expensive viral load tests, Dr. Nartey remains determined to wipe out the disease. The program aims to screen two million Ghanaians using affordable antigen tests, treating an anticipated 46,000 patients with the initial drug donation from Egypt. Egypt’s parallel efforts in Chad and Sudan, combined with Ghana’s commitment to blood safety and injection practices, signal a collective push towards eliminating hepatitis C in the region.
As Sulemana Musah celebrates his newfound freedom from the virus, we are reminded that health transcends borders. Egypt’s generosity has not only cured individuals like Musah but also ignited hope for a healthier future across the African continent. This collaborative effort serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging neighboring countries to prioritize the elimination of hepatitis C and showcasing the immense impact of global solidarity in healthcare.