WHO Urges Governments to Prioritize Hepatitis Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination

According to the 2024 WHO Global Hepatitis Report, an estimated 304 million people were living with hepatitis B and C in 2022.

On July 28, the world marked World Hepatitis Day, with the World Health Organization (WHO) urging governments to elevate efforts in testing, treating, and preventing viral hepatitis to achieve a hepatitis-free world by 2030.

Significance of Viral Hepatitis:

Viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver caused by specific viruses, remains a critical global health issue. The disease, which can lead to chronic liver conditions and even liver cancer, is notably silent, often progressing without symptoms until advanced stages. The Department of Health highlighted the extensive health burden of viral hepatitis, particularly chronic hepatitis B and C, which account for about 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide, including over 2,000 in South Africa alone.

Global and Local Impact:

According to the 2024 WHO Global Hepatitis Report, an estimated 304 million people were living with hepatitis B and C in 2022. The disease is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, exacerbated by issues such as insufficient screening, limited access to care, inadequate disease surveillance, and resource constraints.

The Department of Health emphasized the elevated risk for individuals with underlying conditions like HIV, who face compounded health challenges due to coinfection.

Prevention and Management:

The WHO’s global hepatitis strategy aims to cut new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030. Prevention measures include:

Vaccination against hepatitis B.

Practising safer sex and maintaining good hygiene.

Avoiding the sharing of needles, toothbrushes, and razors.

Ensuring safe drinking water and well-cooked food.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis, although often absent, can include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice. Chronic infections may lead to more severe liver conditions and increase the risk of death if left untreated.

National Efforts and Recommendations:

South Africa, a signatory to the WHO strategy, has developed National Guidelines for the Management of Viral Hepatitis to curb the disease's impact. The Department of Health urges individuals experiencing symptoms to seek screening and testing for early diagnosis and treatment. High-risk groups, including newborns, unvaccinated children and adolescents, individuals with multiple sex partners, and those with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, are advised to get vaccinated.

World Hepatitis Day serves as a crucial reminder of the need for concerted efforts in the fight against viral hepatitis, calling for increased awareness, improved access to care, and robust preventive measures to reduce the disease's global burden.