[Burkina Faso] “Burkina Faso: Tackling Hepatitis with Awareness Campaigns – How Japan’s Innovative Approaches Can Help Overcome New Challenges”
“Peace Winds Japan is making strides in Burkina Faso to combat the widespread impact of hepatitis B. After helping establish a testing system, the organization has now turned its focus to raising awareness. Starting in the fall of 2024, monthly meetings will bring together local partners, including NGOs and patient groups, with online participation to collaborate on impactful solutions. Adding expertise to the mix, the ‘Flying Search Medical Team’ ARROWS is also lending a hand, contributing to the planning and execution of awareness campaigns to drive change and improve lives.”
Learning from HIV Prevention Efforts
Hepatitis B remains a major challenge in Burkina Faso, with a prevalence rate of 9.1%, according to the country’s 2017 “Hepatitis Strategy.” However, efforts like testing, vaccination, and treatment are only just starting to gain traction. In stark contrast, HIV/AIDS prevention has seen remarkable success, with the prevalence rate now under 1%. The driving force behind this achievement has been the tireless work of community and patient groups. Now, our next mission is to apply this proven model to combat hepatitis B and save even more lives.
Leveraging Japan’s Innovative Initiatives to Make a Meaningful Contribution
Peace Winds has proposed training ‘Hepatitis Treatment Coordinators,’ similar to those developed across Japan under the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s ‘Basic Hepatitis Guidelines,’ in Burkina Faso as well.
In Japan, around 30,000 healthcare professionals and patients have been trained as Hepatitis Coordinators. Across the country, they leverage their unique strengths to encourage others to undergo hepatitis testing and to help those already diagnosed receive treatment, thus promoting behavior change. Early detection and treatment prevent severe complications like liver cancer, ultimately reducing the number of lives lost to hepatitis.
A survey from Saga Prefecture, which once had the highest liver cancer mortality rate in Japan, revealed that the direct motivators for citizens to get tested for hepatitis were recommendations from health workers, nurses, colleagues, and family or friends. Similarly, in Burkina Faso, local partner organizations report that individuals who are already receiving treatment, including those who have lost family members to hepatitis, are passionate about encouraging others to seek care and understand the dangers of the disease.
Peace Winds and local partner organizations are considering the following actions
Developing Personnel by Engaging Patient Groups and the Community
Due to the limited medical resources in Burkina Faso, it is essential to train not only healthcare professionals but also patients, individuals affected by the disease, and community leaders as Hepatitis Coordinators. They will be equipped with accurate knowledge and take on the responsibility of spreading awareness in their communities.
Exchanging Ideas While Reviewing HIV Awareness Materials
Delivering Information in a Way That Is Easy for Everyone to Understand
In Burkina Faso, where there are many languages and text-based information is not very effective, we are working on developing awareness materials that use visuals extensively to deliver information in a way that is easy for everyone to understand.
The ‘Kamisibai’ (paper-storytelling) used in prenatal care settings for HIV awareness
Achieving significant impact by combining existing measures with international support
Of course, awareness activities alone cannot overcome Hepatitis B, but by combining them with existing hepatitis measures such as prenatal care, vaccination for newborns, and the provision of affordable treatment, we aim to achieve even greater results.
We would greatly appreciate your continued interest and support
We are committed to fostering a better understanding of the disease throughout the community, promoting prevention and early treatment, and creating a sustainable support system in Burkina Faso centered around Hepatitis Coordinators and patient groups. Our efforts will focus on capacity building and the development of awareness materials.
The approaches that have proven effective in both Burkina Faso and Japan have the power to transform the future of Burkina Faso. We sincerely hope for your continued interest and support.