Baringo County has stepped up efforts to combat Hepatitis B and other viral hepatitis infections, with health officials urging residents to get tested, take up vaccination and seek early treatment to prevent potentially serious liver complications.

The call was made in Marigat Municipality as the county joined the global community to mark World Hepatitis Day 2026 under the theme, Hepatitis: Lets Break It Down. The event brought together health professionals, stakeholders and residents for an awareness campaign focused on prevention, early detection and access to treatment.

Health officials emphasised that Hepatitis can remain undetected for years while causing progressive damage to the liver, increasing the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. They encouraged residents to know their status and seek medical care promptly if they test positive or suspect they may have been exposed to the virus.

The commemoration also highlighted vaccination as one of the most effective measures for preventing Hepatitis B, alongside safe health practices and measures to reduce exposure to infected blood and other body fluids.

Residents were further encouraged to use available health services for screening and counselling and to avoid stigma against people living with hepatitis.

The County Government of Baringo reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening awareness, prevention, testing and treatment services as part of broader efforts to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis and protect communities from preventable liver disease.