Health experts in The Gambia have raised alarm over the increasing number of young people developing serious liver complications linked to hepatitis B, warning that gaps in vaccination coverage, awareness and early diagnosis continue to undermine efforts to eliminate the disease.
The warning was issued on Monday during activities marking World Hepatitis Day, where researchers and medical practitioners highlighted the urgent need for stronger prevention and treatment measures.
Bakary Dibba, Research Coordinator of the MRC Hepatitis Research Group, said chronic liver disease, once largely associated with older adults, is now being diagnosed among younger Gambians, including those below the age of 30.
He said hepatitis B remains one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease in the country, raising concerns about missed opportunities in vaccination and early intervention.
“If vaccination coverage had reached everyone, we should not be seeing these complications in younger age groups,” Dibba said.
The researcher identified several challenges affecting hepatitis elimination efforts, including limited public awareness, misinformation, stigma, delayed diagnosis, inadequate healthcare knowledge, unequal access to testing and treatment, and failure to vaccinate some newborns.
Despite these challenges, Dibba acknowledged progress made through the Ministry of Health’s National Hepatitis Control Programme, particularly in expanding prevention and management efforts.
Dr. Sheikh Omar Bittaye, a specialist at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital Liver Clinic, said hepatitis-related liver diseases continue to place a significant burden on the country’s health system.
He disclosed that the clinic records more than 100 new liver cancer cases annually, while more than 2,000 people have died from liver complications associated with hepatitis B and C since 2012.
Dr. Bittaye stressed that hepatitis does not discriminate, affecting families across all social and economic groups. He called for greater investment in prevention, screening and treatment, noting that many deaths could be avoided through early detection and proper care.
The experts’ warning serves as a reminder that vaccination alone is not enough. Sustained public education, routine screening, improved healthcare capacity and timely access to treatment are essential if The Gambia is to reduce hepatitis-related deaths and meet global elimination targets.
The fight against hepatitis B requires collective responsibility from government, healthcare providers, communities and individuals. Saving lives depends on ensuring that no one is left behind in prevention and care.