Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major public health challenges, especially in prisons where transmission risks are high. In Ghana, hepatitis prevalence and awareness among inmates is under-researched, and access to prevention, testing, and treatment is limited. This project aims to increase hepatitis testing and vaccination opportunities in selected prisons in Ghana and facilitate appropriate linkage to care. The study seeks to: 1) determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among prison inmates, 2) reduce Hepatitis B risk through vaccination for non-infected and unvaccinated inmates and prison officers, and 3) raise awareness and promote preventive measures through education, testing, and vaccination. From June to August 2025, Hepatitis B and C screening was conducted in four prison complexes across northern, central, and southern Ghana. Inmates were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) using rapid diagnostic tests on venous blood samples. A questionnaire captured demographics, awareness, and vaccination history. HBV vaccination was offered to HBsAgnegative inmates without prior HBV vaccination. Positive cases were referred for follow-up testing and care. 

The project implemented comprehensive hepatitis B and C screening and vaccination across nine prison facilities in Ghana, involving both inmates and prison officers. A total of 1,964 participants were screened—1,689 inmates and 275 officers—and 1,597 individuals were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Overall, the prevalence of HBsAg in the screened prison population was 10.7%, while antiHCV prevalence was 3.0%. Inmates recorded higher HBsAg positivity (11.5%) compared to prison officers (6.2%), though anti-HCV rates were similar across both groups (3.1% vs. 2.6%). Prevalence varied by prison location, with higher rates observed at larger facilities such as Nsawam (9.0–13.8%) and Ankaful complexes (10.4–14.4%). Tamale Central Prison, despite its smaller size, also recorded a high HBsAg prevalence of 12.4%. Notably, anti-HCV positivity clustered in specific facilities—particularly Kumasi Central (officers 8.3%, inmates 5.0%) and Ankaful Maximum Security (officers 5.3%). HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence were higher among men (11.9% and 3.1%, respectively) than women (5.3% and 1.1%). No HCV seropositivity was detected among female inmates or officers at Nsawam Female Prison. 

The project demonstrated that large-scale hepatitis screening and vaccination are feasible within the Ghana Prisons Service. Findings underscore the need to institutionalize routine screening and vaccination, strengthen referral pathways to care, expand health education, and sustain infection prevention programs. These efforts will support Ghana’s commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 and improve the overall health and wellbeing of incarcerated populations and staff.