A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) paints a concerning picture: while advancements in diagnosing and treating hepatitis exist, deaths from the viral infection are on the rise. Launched at the World Hepatitis Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, the report estimated that 1.3 million people died from hepatitis B and C infections in 2022, a significant jump from 1.1 million deaths in 2019.
The report highlights a crucial gap in diagnosis and treatment. Many people remain unaware of their infection, and even when diagnosed, access to treatment can be limited. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We must reverse this trend,” he said. “WHO is committed to supporting countries in utilizing all available tools to save lives.”
Half of Hepatitis Cases Among Young Adults
The WHO report sheds light on worrying trends in hepatitis prevalence. An estimated 254 million people globally live with chronic hepatitis B, and 50 million with hepatitis C. Alarmingly, half of these cases are found in individuals aged 30-54, a demographic in their prime working years. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications like liver cancer and cirrhosis.
The report acknowledges some progress in diagnosis and treatment rates. Since 2019, there has been a slight increase in diagnosed cases for both hepatitis B and C. Diagnosis rates for hepatitis B rose from 10% to 13%, with treatment coverage reaching 3%. For hepatitis C, diagnosis increased from 21% to 36%, with treatment coverage reaching 20%.
However, these improvements fall short of the WHO’s ambitious 2030 targets of diagnosing and treating 80% of chronic hepatitis B and C cases. Significant disparities exist between regions. The WHO’s African region, which carries a disproportionate burden with 63% of new hepatitis B infections, has an alarmingly low vaccination rate. Only 18% of newborns receive the critical hepatitis B birth dose vaccination.
The Path to Hepatitis Elimination
The WHO report outlines a clear path for accelerating hepatitis elimination. Key recommendations include:
- Expanding access to testing and diagnostics: Making testing more readily available is crucial for identifying individuals with hepatitis B and C.
- Prioritizing equitable treatment: Policies and practices must ensure everyone who needs treatment can access it, regardless of location or socioeconomic background.
- Strengthening preventive measures in primary care: Integrating hepatitis B vaccination and education into routine primary care can significantly reduce new infections.
- Simplifying service delivery and optimizing product regulation: Streamlining processes and regulations can help ensure the efficient delivery of hepatitis services and medications.
- Developing investment cases in high-burden countries: Building a strong economic case for hepatitis elimination is essential to secure funding and resources in countries disproportionately affected.
- Mobilizing innovative financing mechanisms: Exploring new funding models can help bridge the resource gap and accelerate progress towards elimination.
By implementing these strategies, countries can significantly improve access to diagnosis and treatment, ultimately saving millions of lives from this preventable disease.
A Call to Action
The WHO report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of hepatitis. Despite advancements in treatment, millions of lives are lost each year due to inadequate diagnosis and treatment access. The WHO’s recommendations offer a clear roadmap for achieving hepatitis elimination by 2030. By working together, governments, healthcare organizations, and civil society can turn the tide on this preventable disease and create a healthier future for all.
Source: Punch
