Hepatitis Screening &
Awareness
Protecting Communities from Silent Infections
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. The liver is the body’s natural detoxifier — when it becomes inflamed or damaged, it can’t process toxins, fats, and nutrients properly.
The most common types are Hepatitis A, B, and C, each with different causes and long-term effects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
Over 350 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C worldwide.
Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of liver cancer.
In Sierra Leone and across West Africa, hepatitis B affects about 1 in 8 adults, yet most are unaware they are infected.
Early testing is the only way to detect infection — because hepatitis often shows no symptoms until serious liver damage occurs.
MVF’s Commitment
At Mini’s Village Foundation, we believe no one should die from a preventable disease.
We work to:
Expand free and low-cost hepatitis screening for communities
Raise awareness about hepatitis prevention and vaccination
Link infected individuals to care, monitoring, and treatment
Support education and advocacy to eliminate stigma and discrimination
Through our outreach clinics and partnerships, MVF integrates Hepatitis B and C testing with HIV and TB screening to provide a complete infectious disease service.
Types of Hepatitis
Type Transmission Prevention Curability
Hepatitis A (HAV) Contaminated food or water Hygiene, sanitation, vaccination Curable
Hepatitis B (HBV) Blood, unprotected sex, mother-to-child at birth Vaccination, safe sex, sterile needles Treatable, not always curable
Hepatitis C (HCV) Blood, shared needles, unsafe medical care Screen blood donors, safe injection Curable with medication
Hepatitis D & E Linked to HBV and contaminated water respectively HBV vaccination, clean water Preventable
MVF Screening Services
1. Rapid Screening Test
A small drop of blood from a finger-prick.
Results available within 15–20 minutes.
Detects Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or Hepatitis C antibodies.
2. Confirmatory Laboratory Tests
HBsAg / Anti-HCV ELISA test for confirmation.
HBV DNA / HCV RNA viral load to assess active infection.
Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin) to evaluate liver damage.
3. Follow-Up & Referral
Those who test positive are referred to partner hospitals or government health facilities for:
Further evaluation and staging of liver disease.
Antiviral treatment (for Hepatitis B or C).
Vaccination for household contacts.
Understanding Your Results
Result Meaning Next Steps
Negative No current infection detected Continue prevention and consider vaccination
Positive (HBsAg or Anti-HCV) Infection detected Confirm with viral load test, consult clinician
Past Infection / Immunity Antibodies detected but no active infection No treatment needed; monitor if advised
Symptoms to Watch For
Many people with hepatitis show no symptoms for years. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
Dark urine or pale stool
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain (right upper side)
If you experience these symptoms, or have ever been exposed to blood or unprotected sex, get tested.
Prevention & Protection
Vaccinate: Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective.
Avoid sharing needles or razors.
Use condoms to prevent sexual transmission.
Ensure safe blood transfusion and sterile equipment in healthcare settings.
Maintain hygiene: Wash hands, eat clean food, and drink safe water.
Mothers should test during pregnancy to prevent transmission to babies.
MVF’s Hepatitis Response
Mini’s Village Foundation partners with community health centres, schools, and faith-based groups to:
Conduct community-based testing and vaccination campaigns
Offer counselling to individuals and families affected by hepatitis
Deliver public health education through radio, posters, and school visits
Support advocacy for inclusion of hepatitis services in national health budgets
Collaborate with MoHS, WHO, and local NGOs to expand treatment access
Together, We Can Eliminate Hepatitis
Hepatitis is preventable, testable, and treatable — but only if people know their status.
Through awareness, early detection, and treatment, we can build a hepatitis-free generation.
“Get tested. Get vaccinated. Protect your liver, protect your life.”
Join our screening outreach or support our Hepatitis Awareness Programme:
