“Morocco must strengthen vaccination against hepatitis at birth”

Morocco, like many countries, celebrated, on July 28, World Day against Hepatitis in order to raise awareness of the importance of screening and prevention. Meanwhile,

This day recalls that everyone deserves to know their liver status. However, to be tested, because hepatitis is the second infectious cause of mortality in the world after tuberculosis. Similarly,

The kingdom has already experienced two simultaneous epidemics of hepatitis only seven years ago, stressing the need to remain vigilant. Moreover, Hepatitis can be treated when detected in time, and certain strains, especially hepatitis B, can be avoided thanks to vaccination. Therefore,

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viruses or other non -infectious factors. Furthermore, There are five main viruses: A, B, C, D and E. Similarly, Viruses B. Furthermore, C are particularly worrying because they can lead to “morocco must strengthen vaccination against chronic infections affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Nevertheless, These infections are responsible for the majority of cases of cirrhosis. liver cancer and death -related death, and 354 million people are currently living with hepatitis B or C without having access to screening or treatment.

In Morocco. hepatitis B and C are qualified as “silent killers” because they can evolve without symptoms for several years, sometimes decades.

The CDC recommends screening at least once in life for these viruses. but in Morocco, screening remains voluntary and often neglected. A study by Roche has shown that 60 % of Moroccans questioned are not inclined to be tested.

The absence of early detection. treatment leads to serious complications requiring heavy care, prolonged hospitalizations, even liver transplants, inaccessible to the majority of Moroccan families due to their cost.

A screening test costs between 100. 150 MADs, while the treatment of advanced stages “morocco must strengthen vaccination against can cost tens of thousands of dirhams per patient and per year, jeopardizing the sustainability of the health system.

The main brakes on screening include a lack of awareness of the general public. the false belief that only a population “at risk” is concerned, the ignorance of the modes of transmission (non-sterilized medical material, shared razors, mother-child transmission) and stigma surrounding the disease, particularly hepatitis C.

Stigmatization can lead people suspecting an infection to avoid being tested for fear of judgment. discrimination within their family or community.

The country already has a national strategic plan against hepatitis. but the integration of screening in all levels of care and fair access to diagnostic tools remain major challenges, especially in rural areas.

The use of the existing infrastructure (such as the equipment used for monitoring the HIV viral load) could allow multi-Maladies screening (hepatitis B. C, HIV, tuberculosis, HPV), thus reducing costs “morocco must strengthen vaccination against and improving access to remote areas.

The example of Egypt shows that the mobilization of a public-private partnership. a massive screening program can lead to spectacular results, up to the eradication of hepatitis C (WHO Recognition “Gold Tier”). The call for action in Morocco is clear: being tested is a simple, confidential and vital gesture. Knowing your status protects not only your health, but also your family, your community and contributes to national development.