(Monrovia, Liberia, July 28, 2026)— The Ministry of Health (MOH), through its National AIDS and STI Control Program (NACP), on Tuesday launched a nationwide Hepatitis B vaccination campaign as part of activities marking World Hepatitis Day, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preventing hepatitis infections and expanding access to life-saving vaccination services across Liberia.

The event was held under the global theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down” and the national slogan “Take Action!”. It brought together senior government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and international agencies to intensify public awareness on hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and vaccination.

Presenting an overview of Hepatitis B, National AIDS and STI Control Program Manager Dr. Jonathan Flomo said the disease is a growing public health concern that continues to threaten thousands of lives if left undetected and untreated.

He said early diagnosis, vaccination, and treatment remain the most effective strategies for reducing infections, preventing liver disease, and saving lives.

Dr. Flomo noted that the Ministry is strengthening hepatitis prevention by integrating services into the national healthcare system while encouraging Liberians to know their hepatitis status and receive vaccination where eligible.

“It is important to know your status. Hepatitis can be spread through unprotected sex and other unsafe practices. We encourage everyone to practice safe sex and avoid the use of unsafe instruments,” Dr. Flomo said.

Delivering the keynote address, Assistant Minister for Vital Statistics Dr. Anthony Fortune said World Hepatitis Day provides Liberia with another opportunity to renew its commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat and ensuring that every citizen has access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and quality healthcare services.

Dr. Fortune said this year’s global theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” challenges governments and stakeholders to remove the barriers preventing millions of people from accessing lifesaving hepatitis services.

“Our national call to action, ‘Take Action,’ reminds us that awareness alone is not enough. Real progress requires commitment, collaboration, and decisive action,” he said.

Dr. Fortune noted that Hepatitis B and C continue to claim lives each year because many infected individuals remain unaware of their status until severe complications develop.

“The challenge before us is not the absence of solutions, it is ensuring that these solutions reach every person who needs them,” he emphasized.

According to him, the country’s response must begin with prevention by strengthening routine childhood immunization, ensuring every newborn receives the Hepatitis B vaccine on time, screening pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and protecting healthcare workers through vaccination.

He also called for expanded testing and treatment services for vulnerable and high-risk populations, including people living with HIV and communities with limited access to healthcare, stressing that early diagnosis and timely treatment save lives.

Dr. Fortune said misinformation and stigma remain among the greatest obstacles in the fight against hepatitis, noting that many people still mistakenly believe the disease is caused by supernatural forces or cannot be treated.

“Today, the Ministry of Health reaffirms that hepatitis is a preventable and manageable viral disease. Vaccination, safe medical practices, safe blood transfusion services, early testing, and effective treatment remain our strongest weapons,” he said.

He urged Liberians to replace fear with facts, stigma with compassion, and silence with open dialogue, adding that informed communities are better equipped to prevent hepatitis infections.

The Assistant Minister further emphasized the need to strengthen Liberia’s health system through reliable data, uninterrupted vaccine supplies, trained healthcare workers, stronger laboratory services, and integrated healthcare delivery.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to integrating hepatitis prevention and treatment into maternal and child health services, HIV programs, and primary healthcare to ensure that no Liberian is left behind.

Dr. Fortune reminded participants that the global target is to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, a goal he said will require sustained political commitment, increased investment, stronger partnerships, and active community participation.

He acknowledged the leadership of Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto and expressed appreciation to development partners, healthcare workers, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, and community leaders for their continued support of Liberia’s hepatitis response.

“As we commemorate this day, let us encourage our families to get tested, support vaccination, educate our communities, advocate for stronger services, and above all, take action,” he urged. “Together, we can break down the barriers, the myths, the stigma, and the inequalities that continue to fuel hepatitis, and build a future where no Liberian suffers or dies from a preventable viral hepatitis infection.”

Officially launching the vaccination campaign, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister for Health Services Dr. Catherine T. Cooper announced that the Ministry has secured Hepatitis B vaccines to strengthen the country’s prevention efforts.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, I officially declare the Hepatitis B vaccination campaign launched,” Dr. Cooper declared.

Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis Society, JNB Foundation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Liberia Nurses Association, Evidence Action, LIPRIDE, National AIDS Commission, Armed Forces of Liberia, and UNICEF also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to eliminate hepatitis through increased collaboration, public awareness, vaccination, and improved access to treatment.

The event concluded with free hepatitis screening and Hepatitis B vaccination for participants, reinforcing the Ministry’s determination to accelerate efforts toward eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.