WHO Aims to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis by 2030 Amid Ongoing Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set an ambitious goal to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Despite significant advancements, numerous challenges persist in the fight against this global health threat.

Hepatitis B and C remain major public health concerns, with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection alone causing nearly one million deaths annually. In 2019, hepatitis B claimed more than 820,000 lives, primarily due to liver cancer and liver cirrhosis. Approximately 300 million people globally are affected by chronic HBV infection, with prevalence varying significantly across regions.

The WHO's Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) aims to reduce the number of new cases of chronic hepatitis by 90% and the number of deaths by 65% by 2030, compared to the 2015 baseline. All Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, have national programs focused on hepatitis elimination. However, the available information requires regular updates, and public accessibility of data collected by governments should be enhanced.

To combat these challenges, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences is calling for manuscripts on new findings in viral hepatitis virology, immunology, and therapeutics to improve diagnosis and treatment. This initiative aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the 2030 goal and overcome persisting challenges in the fight against viral hepatitis.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching educational campaigns during Hepatitis Awareness Month to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, reduce stigma, and encourage early testing and vaccination. The CDC recommends that all adults aged 18 and older get screened at least once for hepatitis B and C. National Hepatitis Testing Day, observed on May 19th, underscores the importance of testing and treatment for viral hepatitis.

The CDC's efforts include focusing on different themes each week to boost recognition of the common hepatitis types in the United States – hepatitis A, B, and C – and the importance of screening. As Dr. Robert Cook from the University of Florida notes, people can have hepatitis without realizing it, highlighting the need for education and prevention.

In Australia, the federal Budget for 2024-25 has allocated $23.7 million over two years to support hepatitis B and C initiatives. This investment will support the implementation of the Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and the Sixth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2023-2030. According to Darryl O'Donnell, Interim CEO of Hepatitis Australia, nearly 300,000 people in Australia live with hepatitis B or C.

The University of Wollongong hosted a webinar titled 'Luminaries: Hepatitis C - A Public Health Success Story' on May 17, 2024. The panel discussed five, key, insights into the treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C, highlighting revolutionary treatments that cure 98% of cases. The webinar celebrated significant milestones achieved in public health, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges in managing the virus.

As the world strives to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, continued research, awareness, and access to treatment remain crucial. The call for manuscripts by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences underscores the ongoing need for innovation and collaboration in the battle against this global health threat.

Key Takeaways

• WHO aims to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, with 90% reduction in new cases and 65% reduction in deaths.
• 300 million people globally are affected by chronic HBV infection, with varying prevalence across regions.
• CDC recommends all adults aged 18+ get screened at least once for hepatitis B and C.
• Australia allocates $23.7 million to support hepatitis B and C initiatives in 2024-25 federal budget.
• New treatments cure 98% of hepatitis C cases, but continued research and awareness are crucial.