In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is issuing a resounding call for the expansion of testing and treatment for viral hepatitis. Alarming projections suggest that if current infection rates persist, hepatitis could surpass malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined, claiming an unprecedented number of lives by 2040.
Hepatitis poses a grave threat as it causes liver damage, and devastatingly, more than a million people lose their lives to this disease every year. Among the five types of hepatitis, B and C are responsible for the majority of cases and fatalities. Although hepatitis C can be cured, the diagnosis and treatment rates are severely lacking. A mere 21% of individuals with hepatitis C have been identified, and a mere 13% have received life-saving treatment. For chronic hepatitis B, the figures are equally distressing, with only 10% diagnosed and a mere 2% receiving necessary medication.
The WHO’s World Hepatitis Day campaign, themed “One life, one liver,” underscores the criticality of safeguarding the liver against hepatitis to lead a healthy, extended life. Moreover, good liver health has ripple effects, benefiting other vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, which rely on the liver’s proper functioning.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed deep concern over the vast number of undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis cases worldwide, especially when effective preventive, diagnostic, and treatment tools are available. WHO is committed to aiding countries in expanding the utilization of these tools, including affordable curative medications, with the ultimate goal of saving lives and eradicating hepatitis.
To achieve the elimination of hepatitis by 2030, WHO will provide new guidance to track countries’ progress. The strategy to reduce new infections and fatalities from hepatitis B and C encompasses several key components, such as ensuring access to treatment for pregnant women with hepatitis B, administering hepatitis B vaccines to newborns, diagnosing 90% of individuals with hepatitis B and/or C, and providing treatment to 80% of those diagnosed. In addition, optimizing blood transfusion, promoting safe injections, and implementing harm reduction measures are crucial steps.
Vaccination, testing, and treatment are essential opportunities for protecting the liver from hepatitis. Vaccinating children against hepatitis B is a pivotal measure in curbing overall viral hepatitis infections. The impressive progress toward the hepatitis B incidence target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is a testament to the significance of vaccination. However, certain regions, particularly in Africa, lack access to birth dose hepatitis B vaccines. To address this, Gavi’s Vaccine Investment Strategy will initiate newborn vaccination programs in west and central Africa, where mother-to-child transmission rates remain alarmingly high.
WHO strongly recommends testing all pregnant women for hepatitis B during pregnancy. If the result is positive, timely treatment should be provided, and vaccines must be administered to their newborns. However, a recent WHO report highlights that only half of the countries with policies for managing hepatitis B in antenatal clinics have implemented such activities.
Moreover, in HIV clinics, 80% of countries reported having policies for screening and managing hepatitis B, and 65% for hepatitis C. Enhancing hepatitis testing and treatment within HIV programs is essential to protect individuals living with HIV from developing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Despite previous strides in treatment rates, the rate of people accessing hepatitis C curative treatment is slowing. WHO advocates for leveraging price reductions in medications to expedite progress in expanding treatment. The cost of a 12-week course of medication to cure hepatitis C has significantly dropped, making it more accessible, particularly in low-income countries. Treatment for hepatitis B is also comparatively affordable, costing less than 30 US dollars per year.
WHO emphasizes the importance of hepatitis testing, prompt treatment if diagnosed, and vaccination against hepatitis B. Reducing alcohol consumption, achieving a healthy weight, and managing diabetes or hypertension further contribute to liver well-being. By taking these steps, individuals can protect their liver and enhance overall health and longevity.
