WHO’s New Guide: Strategies to Combat Hepatitis B and C

Global Call to Action: New Strategies to Combat Hepatitis B and C

A new operational guide released by WHO urges countries to prioritize testing services for hepatitis B and C, aiming to significantly reduce mortality rates and potentially eliminate these viral infections as public health threats by 2030.

The push comes at a critical time. In 2022, viral hepatitis, alongside tuberculosis, was the second leading cause of death among communicable diseases globally. Deaths from this preventable disease rose from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million, with hepatitis B and C accounting for 83% and 17% of these deaths, respectively.

Alarmingly, by the end of 2022, only 13% of the estimated 254 million people living with hepatitis B had been diagnosed. Treatment rates were even lower, with less than 3% receiving antiviral therapy. For hepatitis C, 36% of the estimated 50 million people living with the virus were diagnosed between 2015 and 2022, and just 20% received curative treatment.

These statistics underscore the crucial need for increased testing. “Effective national strategic planning, funding, and implementation of viral hepatitis testing services with linkage to care is critical in efforts to massively increase the number of people tested, diagnosed, and treated,” emphasizes Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes. “This guide is an essential tool for countries to operationalize current WHO recommendations.”

A Five-Step Framework for Impactful Testing

The operational guide introduces a five-step framework designed to guide countries in developing person-centred hepatitis B and C testing approaches.

This framework emphasizes a strategic mix of testing approaches, mobilization and demand creation, and streamlined linkage to care. It also highlights the importance of community leadership, health systems integration, and quality assurance.

“Viral hepatitis testing services should be included in national essential health benefit packages, supported by adequate financing and coordinated actions to advance universal health coverage and integration in primary health care,” underscores Dr. Funmi Lesi, Team Lead, Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO. “Let us not forget that every person we diagnose with hepatitis is not just someone we need to treat, but also an advocate and partner in advancing our hepatitis response.”

Real-World Success Stories

Importantly, the guide spotlights success stories from four countries that have successfully designed and implemented effective testing strategies. These examples illustrate both the challenges and key enablers of success, providing valuable insights for other nations.

The guide encourages health policymakers, national hepatitis programme managers, and community leaders to adopt these strategic testing approaches and integrate services to curb the rising mortality from hepatitis B and C.

What are the key​ strategies outlined in the ⁢WHO⁢ guidelines for increasing hepatitis B and C testing?

## Global Call to Action: New Strategies to⁤ Combat Hepatitis B and C

**Host:** We’re joined today by Dr.‍ Anya Petrov, an infectious disease specialist with years of experience ‌working on hepatitis eradication programs. Dr. Petrov, thank you for joining us.

**Dr. Petrov:** It’s a pleasure to be here.

**Host:** The World Health Organization has ​just released new⁣ guidelines urging countries⁣ to ramp up testing for‍ hepatitis B and C. Why ⁣is⁤ this such a crucial step in the fight against these viruses?

**Dr. Petrov:** These guidelines are a powerful ​call‌ to action, because we’re facing a ​silent epidemic. While treatable, viral hepatitis⁢ remains a leading cause of death globally, and a shocking number of people remain⁤ undiagnosed‍ and untreated. Early ⁣diagnosis is key.

**Host:** You say “shocking.” Can you give us ⁢some figures to⁢ illustrate this point?

**Dr. Petrov:** Absolutely. In 2022 alone, over 1.3​ million people⁣ died from⁣ viral hepatitis. ‌That’s more than tuberculosis. For hepatitis B,‌ only 13% of‍ the estimated 254 million ⁤people living with it are diagnosed. Treatment rates⁤ are ⁣even lower.

**Host:** Those ⁢numbers are frightening. Why is testing lagging behind so dramatically?

**Dr. Petrov:** There are several factors at play. ‌ Limited access to healthcare, ​particularly‍ in low-resource settings, is a major barrier. Stigma surrounding hepatitis can⁢ also prevent people from seeking testing and treatment. [[1](https://fctc.who.int/news-and-resources/publications/i/item/guidelines-on-hepatitis-b-and-c-testing—policy-brief)]

**Host:** So, what’s the solution?

**Dr. Petrov:** The WHO’s new guidelines emphasize ‌the importance of integrated, community-based testing ⁣services. ‌We need to make⁤ testing readily available, affordable, and culturally sensitive. Raising awareness about the⁢ benefits of early diagnosis and linking people to effective ​treatments are⁢ also crucial.

**Host:**‌ What about the WHO’s ​goal ‌of eliminating hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030?⁤ Is that a realistic goal?

**Dr. Petrov:** It’s ambitious, but I believe it’s​ achievable. We have the tools and knowledge to conquer these‌ diseases. With commitment from governments, healthcare providers, and communities worldwide, we can turn ⁤the ⁤tide against ‌viral hepatitis.

**Host:** Dr. Petrov, thank you for your time​ and insights.