Hepatitis Awareness Campaign

Hepatitis is a silent but deadly disease affecting the liver, and in Sierra Leone, it's more common than many realize. Recent reports show that 13.8% of Sierra Leoneans are living with chronic Hepatitis B, with rising cases among young adults aged 15–441.Hepatitis B and C are especially dangerous because they often show no symptoms until serious damage has occurred2

What You Need to Know

  • Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through unprotected sex, unsafe blood transfusions, shared needles, and even from mother to child at birth.
  • Symptoms may include fatigue, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, and abdominal pain, but many people show no signs at all.
  • If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to liver cancer or liver failure.

What You Can Do

  • Get tested: Knowing your status is the first step to protecting your health.
  • Get vaccinated: Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.
  • Practice safe hygiene and safe sex to reduce transmission.
  • Avoid sharing sharp objects like razors or needles.

The Ministry of Health and organizations like KnowHep Foundation and Sierra Liver Foundation are working to expand screening, education, and vaccination programs across the country. A new birth-dose vaccine for newborns is also planned for rollout in 2025.


Let’s break the silence. Hepatitis can’t wait and neither can we. Talk to your healthcare provider, spread the word, and help protect your community.

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