About Us

Mission

Infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide, affecting an estimated 240 million people. Chronic HBV infection is a primary cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer (HCC), which causes significant morbidity and mortality across the globe. The African continent bears a great burden of the impact of Hepatitis B. This is compounded by inconsistent availability of the Hepatitis B vaccine and limited treatment options for advanced disease in many countries in Africa. As a result, it is disheartening but not unexpected that the recent Global Burden of Diseases study showed that the mortality attributable to Hepatitis B is rising. So, it is imperative that all healthcare providers across Africa work together to curb this rising epidemic. The African Hepatitis B Network is aimed at improving collaboration among healthcare providers who care for Hepatitis B patients and care for those at risk for Hepatitis B. Furthermore, The African Hepatitis B Network aims to bring together those interested in curtailing the epidemic of Hepatitis B and those performing research on Hepatitis B across Africa. The goal of this network is:

• To increase awareness about Hepatitis B in Africa
• To promote access to education about Hepatitis B in Africa
• To provide a platform for people to connect to understand and fight Hepatitis B

This Network is meant to bring together clinicians and researchers (experts and non-experts in the field) across the continent to investigate Hepatitis B, improve disparities and regional differences of the disease, and strengthen strategies to prevent complications of HBV. We intend to work in partnership towards a common goal of stopping the spread of Hepatitis B.

This network is organized and led by a committed group of experts based in Minnesota, USA. Learn more about the leadership here.