Strategic information to guide elimination of viral hepatitis

Abstract

WHO has placed the world on the path towards the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The 2016 adoption of the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) set goals for a 90% reduction in incidence and a 65% reduction in mortality for HBV and HCV by 2030, along with targets for improvements in testing, treatment, and hepatitis B vaccination. 1 WHOGlobal Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis, 2016–2021—towards ending viral hepatitis. June 2016.. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/246177/1/WHO-HIV-2016.06-engDate accessed: December 13, 2022 Google Scholar The collection of reliable data for elimination of viral hepatitis is a particular challenge, requiring monitoring of trends in HBV and HCV incidence and mortality. Even when data are available, the development of HBV and HCV sequalae, including severe liver damage and liver cancer, usually occurs decades after infection, making the interpretation of elimination effects complex. Furthermore, given low screening rates and fragile national surveillance systems, new infections and mortality are often under-reported. Global reporting of progress towards elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis CThere has been notable global progress towards hepatitis elimination. In 2019, 30·4 million (10·3%) people living with hepatitis B knew their infection status, which was slightly higher than in 2015 (22·0 million; 9·0%), and 6·6 million (22·7%) of those diagnosed with hepatitis B received treatment, compared with 1·7 million (8·0%) in 2015. Mortality from hepatitis C has declined since 2019, driven by an increase in HCV treatment ten times that of the strategy baseline. However, an estimated 89·7% of HBV infections and 78·6% of HCV infections remain undiagnosed. Full-Text PDF