Former President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that 90 million Africans are living with undiagnosed hepatitis B or C. This significant health challenge places immense pressure on the continent's already strained healthcare systems. The announcement was made at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra on July 22, 2026.
This alarming figure underscores a broader crisis of persistent health challenges across Africa. Millions of people continue to suffer from serious diseases without proper diagnosis or timely treatment. Malaria also continues to impose a heavy burden on health systems throughout the continent, diverting resources and attention from other critical health issues.
The lack of diagnosis for such a large population segment has profound economic and social implications for African nations. Undiagnosed and untreated diseases lead to reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs in the long run, and a diminished quality of life for millions. This situation hinders economic development and exacerbates poverty, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Addressing African leaders at the summit, President Mahama called for renewed commitment and collective action. He emphasized the need for a shift from conventional healthcare approaches to bold, transformative solutions. The summit aimed to adopt a fully costed continental roadmap to end AIDS and tuberculosis by 2030, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
President Mahama also pointed out the growing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases cause more than 2 million deaths annually among Africans under 70 years old. He stressed that Africa must no longer depend on external support for healthcare solutions, advocating for self-reliance and robust domestic investment.
“Africa now stands at a crossroads defined by its appetite for total health transformation,” President Mahama stated. He added, “It can no longer allow itself to be pushed to the periphery and cast as the destitute beneficiary of the largesse of some distant global health systems.” This statement reflects a strong push for African nations to take ownership of their health destinies.
The former President urged leaders to ensure that commitments made at the summit translate into measurable improvements in healthcare delivery. He called for sustained political commitment, increased investment, and stronger health systems. These measures are crucial for Africa to effectively tackle both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
The implications of this widespread undiagnosed hepatitis are far-reaching. Without intervention, the number of affected individuals will likely grow, further straining public health infrastructure. Decision-makers must prioritize funding for diagnostic tools, public health campaigns, and treatment programs. International partners will be watching to see how African governments respond to this urgent call for action.