Considering the general decline in funding for research and development, Africa CDC, in collaboration with the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and the African Viral Hepatitis Action Group (AVHAG), has developed a capacity-buildingprogramme for hepatitis elimination and advocacy.

It was from one such gathering, held from 2 to 4 June 2025 in Gabon, that joint national action plans were developed. These plans are currently co-led by local civil society organisations and viral hepatitis programme managers from five African Union Member States.

Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad benefited from this high-impact empowerment programme, which aims to strengthen the role of affected populations and community groups as key drivers of advocacy, policy influence, and community engagement in the elimination of viral hepatitis in Africa. It recognises civil society organisations as crucial allies in the fight against disease, particularly in the prevention and control of hepatitis B and C.

“I invite you to remain mobilised, to strengthen the synergies that we have initiated here, and to work together to maintain the momentum for change. Because it is together—with an equipped, organised and committed civil society—that we will achieve our continental objectives of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030,” said Dr Brice Bicaba, Director, Central Africa RCC, opening the meeting.