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Hepatitis Fight Intensifies with New Regional Push
Global Health Leaders Urge Action on World Hepatitis Day
Viral hepatitis, a critical infection causing liver damage and cancer, demands urgent attention. The Western Pacific Region grapples with a significant burden, but a new campaign aims to “break down the barriers” to elimination by 2030.
A Dire Regional Toll
In the Western Pacific, a staggering 96.8 million individuals live with chronic hepatitis B, while 7.1 million face chronic hepatitis C. This represents one-third of the global impact. Annually, an estimated 561,000 deaths in the region stem from these viruses, underscoring the critical need for intensified efforts despite existing interventions.
Simplifying Care for Maximum Impact
Under the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” this year’s World Hepatitis Day emphasizes simplifying and scaling up crucial services. This includes vaccination, safe injection practices, harm reduction, and critically, widespread testing and treatment. The goal is to integrate these interventions into national health systems effectively.
The Diagnosis and Treatment Gap
Current statistics highlight a significant shortfall in care: only one in four people with hepatitis B are diagnosed, and merely one in five receive appropriate treatment. For hepatitis C, only half are diagnosed, with just one in six achieving a cure.
To combat this, hepatitis prevention and treatment services must become more accessible at the primary healthcare level. Bringing care closer to communities is vital to reaching unreached populations and reducing the incidence of illness and death.
Progress in Hepatitis B Vaccination
The region has demonstrated considerable success in controlling hepatitis B through robust national vaccination programs. In 2023, an impressive 80% of newborns received the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, and 93% completed the full three-dose series for lasting protection.
This progress has enabled the region to meet its 2020 target of reducing hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence to below 1% in young children. Furthermore, it is on track to achieve future goals of 0.5% by 2025 and 0.1% by 2030.
WHO Bolsters Regional Monitoring and Support
The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region is enhancing its WPRO Hepatitis Dashboard. This interactive tool will provide up-to-date regional data on hepatitis B and C prevalence, deaths, vaccination rates, and the coverage of diagnosis and treatment, aiding in tracking progress toward elimination targets.
Additionally, the WHO has established the Regional Validation Advisory Group on Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis, and Accelerated Control of Viral Hepatitis in the Western Pacific Region (WP RVAG). This expert panel offers independent guidance to countries striving to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of key infections and achieve broader hepatitis elimination goals.
A Unified Call to Action
This World Hepatitis Day, health advocates are issuing a strong call to action. Countries are urged to expand access to simplified and equitable viral hepatitis interventions. Prioritizing vaccination, testing, and treatment is essential for achieving elimination goals.
Key actions include:
- Broadening access to testing and diagnostics to connect more individuals with necessary treatment.
- Strengthening primary care prevention through vaccination, safe injection practices, and education initiatives.
- Decentralizing hepatitis care by leveraging community-based services to bring care closer to patients.
- Integrating hepatitis care within existing health services, such as primary care and HIV programs, for more accessible and comprehensive care.
- Actively engaging affected communities and civil society to ensure their insights are central to prevention and treatment strategies.
- Mobilizing domestic and innovative financing to secure sustainable funding for hepatitis elimination programs.
The collective commitment to these actions is crucial for making hepatitis elimination a reality by 2030. According to the WHO, “Together, we can make hepatitis elimination a reality by 2030.”
