WHO Urges Urgent Action Against Hepatitis in South-East Asia

The World Health Organization calls on South-East Asia to urgently scale up efforts to tackle hepatitis B and C. These preventable and treatable infections are causing serious health issues, and early intervention can save lives and reduce liver cancer rates. The theme for World Hepatitis Day: 'It's time for action'.

The World Health Organization on Saturday urged countries in the South-East Asia Region to urgently intensify efforts to provide universal access to prevention, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C. Despite being preventable and treatable, these chronic infections are increasingly causing severe illnesses and fatalities from liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure in the region, a WHO press release stated.

Currently, liver cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the region and the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths among men. A staggering 75% of liver cirrhosis cases are attributed to hepatitis B and C infections, according to the press release. In 2022, the region reported 70.5 million people living with viral hepatitis B and C. Early diagnosis and treatment can cure hepatitis C and prevent hepatitis B from causing liver cirrhosis and cancer, potentially altering predictions which estimate liver cancer deaths in South-East Asia could double by 2050, reaching over 200,000 annually.

'We possess the knowledge and necessary tools to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis; yet, access to essential services for people with chronic hepatitis B and C remains insufficient. It is imperative to accelerate efforts to deliver equitable services at the primary healthcare level,' emphasized Saima Wazed, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia, during World Hepatitis Day. This year's theme is 'It's time for action'. Globally, hepatitis B and C together result in 3,500 deaths daily, with 6,000 new infections each day. Approximately 254 million people are living with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C worldwide. A significant number remain undiagnosed, and among those diagnosed, treatment uptake is alarmingly low.

In 2022, viral hepatitis claimed around 1.3 million lives, equal to the deaths caused by tuberculosis, making both the second leading causes of death among communicable diseases, after COVID-19. Within the WHO South-East Asia Region, hepatitis B and C testing and treatment coverage remains low. Last year, only 2.8% of people with hepatitis B were diagnosed, with 3.5% of those receiving treatment. For hepatitis C, 26% were diagnosed and 14% treated.

'We have safe and effective vaccines to prevent hepatitis B infection. Antiviral drugs are highly effective in managing and preventing disease progression, and most cases of hepatitis C can be cured. Greater efforts are essential to make these life-saving interventions universally accessible,' Wazed remarked. Hepatitis B and C affect various populations, including those at higher risk, such as individuals exposed to unsafe blood supplies and medical procedures, and newborns at risk of mother-to-child transmission in high-prevalence settings. Additionally, indigenous, mobile, and migrant populations as well as high-risk groups such as drug injectors, prison inmates, and sex workers are significantly impacted.

Due to widespread unawareness of hepatitis B or C diagnoses, expanding access to testing and treatment at community levels through primary healthcare facilities is crucial. Integrating these services into universal health coverage could significantly benefit affected individuals, ensuring that their needs are prioritized in ongoing health initiatives. Collaboration among all stakeholders, including the private sector, is essential to reversing the current health impact.

Country investment case studies reveal a return on investment of USD 2-3 for every dollar spent on viral hepatitis initiatives, which could curb rising mortality rates and reduce the economic burden of cancer treatment. 'Viral hepatitis represents a major public health challenge this decade. With a public health approach and leveraging investments in universal health coverage, eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 is achievable,' the WHO Regional Director stated.

Implementing actions from 2024-2026 to expand equitable access to hepatitis interventions can help nations achieve Sustainable Development Goals. 'We share a collective responsibility to save lives today and safeguard the health of future generations. It's time for action,' Wazed concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)