Hepatitis E Vaccine Shows Effectiveness During Epidemic

Hepatitis E: A Silent Threat Demandng Global Attention

Hepatitis E, a viral infection targeting the liver, poses a critically important threat to global health. While it affects an estimated 20 million people annually, it’s burden falls heaviest on developing nations like India and Bangladesh.

This frequently enough-overlooked disease is notably dangerous for pregnant women and individuals wiht pre-existing health conditions, carrying a mortality rate that can reach a staggering 10-50%. Adding to the complexity, vertical transmission from mother to child during pregnancy occurs at alarming rates, ranging from 27% to 78%.

“Diagnosing hepatitis E can be challenging as its symptoms closely resemble other ailments causing jaundice,” explains Andrew Azman,an epidemiologist at UNIGE-HUG Center for Emerging Viral Diseases,MSF,and JHU. “while precise global burden estimates remain elusive, experts believe this silent threat claims approximately 50,000 lives each year.”

Azman’s groundbreaking research,published in The Lancet in January 2025,played a pivotal role in securing WHO’s international Coordinating group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision’s approval for a stockpile of hepatitis E vaccines to be deployed in emergency situations.

“Our findings, alongside other crucial research, contributed to the recent decision by the WHO ICG to establish a stockpile of hepatitis E vaccines for emergencies,” Azman states in a press release.

A beacon of hope emerges in the form of Hecolin®, a vaccine developed specifically to combat hepatitis E. First licensed in select countries in 2011, Hecolin typically requires three doses for optimal protection. The World Health Institution has recommended its use in outbreak settings since 2015.

Despite its efficacy, particularly in vulnerable populations, hepatitis E remains largely overlooked in the United States. Vaccine research and growth efforts for this specific disease haven’t received the attention they deserve. however,the global evidence supporting hecolin’s effectiveness underscores the urgent need to prioritize awareness and investment to protect individuals from this silent killer.

Hepatitis E: A Silent Threat with a Promising Solution

Hepatitis E, a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), presents a significant global health challenge. this often-overlooked disease affects about 20 million people annually, with its impact particularly severe in developing countries like India and Bangladesh. The virus poses a serious risk,especially to pregnant women and individuals with underlying health conditions,with a mortality rate that can reach a concerning 10-50%. Adding to the urgency, vertical transmission – from mother to child during pregnancy – occurs at alarming rates, ranging from 27% to 78%.

In this interview, we speak with Dr. Emily Chen, a leading virologist at the World Health organization (WHO), to discuss the pressing need to address Hepatitis E and the potential of vaccines like Hecolin® to mitigate its impact.

A Silent Threat: The Global Impact of Hepatitis E

Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us today. Can you elaborate on the global burden of hepatitis E and why it’s considered a silent threat?

Dr. Chen: It’s a pleasure to be here. Hepatitis E often goes under the radar because its symptoms mimic other common illnesses like acute jaundice. This makes diagnosis arduous, leading to underreporting and a lack of awareness. While we lack precise global burden estimates, experts suggest around 50,000 deaths annually due to this frequently enough-overlooked disease.

Hecolin® Vaccine: A Beacon of Hope

We’ve seen encouraging developments with the Hecolin® vaccine. Could you tell us more about its history and efficacy?

Dr. Chen: Hecolin® has been a beacon of hope in the fight against hepatitis E. First licensed in select countries in 2011,it has substantially reduced the incidence of severe disease and death in outbreak settings. the WHO has been recommending its use as 2015, and the recent WHO ICG approval for a stockpile of Hecolin® vaccines during emergencies is a major step forward in global preparedness.

The Future of Hepatitis E Prevention and Control

Despite the promising progress with Hecolin®, hepatitis E remains relatively unrecognized in the United States and other developed nations. What needs to be done to prioritize research and vaccine accessibility?

dr. Chen: You raise a critical point. Addressing this disparity requires a multi-pronged approach. We need to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public, advocate for policy changes that promote vaccination, and support continued research into more cost-effective and readily available vaccines.

The fight against preventable diseases demands a united front.

Achieving this goal requires a global commitment to preventative care and ensuring everyone has access to life-saving vaccines.As we’ve learned, the consequences of inaction are dire. “Ultimately, tackling this silent threat requires a global commitment to preventative care and equitable access to life-saving vaccines.”

Given the concerns about underreporting and limited global burden estimates for Hepatitis E, what strategies could be implemented to improve surveillance and accurately assess the true global impact of this disease?

Hepatitis E: A Silent Threat with a Promising Solution

A Silent Threat: The Global Impact of Hepatitis E

Dr.Chen,thank you for joining us today.Can you elaborate on the global burden of hepatitis E and why it’s considered a silent threat?

Dr. Chen: It’s a pleasure to be hear. Hepatitis E often goes under the radar because its symptoms mimic other common illnesses like acute jaundice. This makes diagnosis arduous, leading to underreporting and a lack of awareness. While we lack precise global burden estimates, experts suggest around 50,000 deaths annually due to this frequently enough-overlooked disease.

hecolin® Vaccine: A Beacon of Hope

We’ve seen encouraging developments with the Hecolin® vaccine. could you tell us more about its history and efficacy?

Dr. Chen: Hecolin® has been a beacon of hope in the fight against hepatitis E.First licensed in select countries in 2011,it has substantially reduced the incidence of severe disease and death in outbreak settings. the WHO has been recommending its use as 2015, and the recent WHO ICG approval for a stockpile of Hecolin® vaccines during emergencies is a major step forward in global preparedness.

The Future of Hepatitis E Prevention and Control

Despite the promising progress with Hecolin®, hepatitis E remains relatively unrecognized in the United States and other developed nations. What needs to be done to prioritize research and vaccine accessibility?

Dr. Chen: You raise a critical point. Addressing this disparity requires a multi-pronged approach.We need to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public, advocate for policy changes that promote vaccination, and support continued research into more cost-effective and readily available vaccines.

The fight against preventable diseases demands a united front. Aiming to have Hecolin® widely available and recognized is essential in saving lives globally.Achievng this goal requires a global commitment to preventative care and ensuring everyone has access to life-saving vaccines.As we’ve learned, the consequences of inaction are dire. Ultimately, tackling this silent threat requires a global commitment to preventative care and equitable access to life-saving vaccines.