As World Hepatitis Day was celebrated last Friday, July 28, World Health Organization (World Health Organization) insists on the need to expand arrest and treatment of viral hepatitiswarning that the disease could kill more people than malaria, tuberculosis If current infection trends continue, by 2024 HIV and HIV will co-emerge.
Hepatitis can cause liver damage and cancer and take people’s lives more than one million people per year. Of the five types of hepatitis, Type B and Type C lead to most diseases and deaths. Although hepatitis C is curable, only 21% of those infected were diagnosed and 13% received curative treatment. As for chronic hepatitis B, only 10% of those infected are diagnosed, and only 2% of these receive life-saving drugs.
Good liver health also benefits other vital organs, such as the heart, brain and kidneys, which depend on the liver for their function.
under the motto “One life, one liver”the World Health Organization stresses the importance of this year Protect the liver Prevent hepatitis and lead a healthy and long life.correct liver health It also benefits other vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, which depend on the liver for their function.
doctor Tan Desai“While we have better tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment than ever before, millions of people around the world remain undiagnosed and untreated with hepatitis,” said the WHO Director-General. WHO stands by its position committed to helping countries Expand the use of these tools, especially increasingly cost-effective therapeutics, to save lives and put an end to these diseases“.
“While we have better prevention, diagnosis and treatment tools than ever before, millions of people around the world still live with undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis.”
WHO will publish New Direction Tracks the rate at which countries are making progress towards eliminating these diseases by 2030.To reduce new infections and deaths from hepatitis B and C, countries must provide Treatment for all pregnant women infection and vaccine In addition to diagnosing 90% of people with hepatitis B or C and treating 80% of those diagnosed, children are protected from hepatitis B at birth. Other important measures include ensuring transfusions are performed under optimal conditions, following safety precautions when giving injections, and taking steps to reduce the risk of injury.
Vaccinations, Tests and Treatments
yes Vital for children to be vaccinated Fights hepatitis B to limit general viral hepatitis infection.Although this is the only health goal in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Achieved in 2020 Although on track to achieve this goal by 2030, many African countries have not vaccinated newborns against hepatitis B.
“WHO remains committed to helping countries scale up access to these tools, especially increasingly cost-effective treatments, to save lives and eradicate these diseases.”
Gavi recently revived its strategy vaccine investment Launched in 2018, the program, which includes shots of these vaccines, will help restart newborn vaccination programs in West and Central Africa, regions that mother to child transmission rate The incidence of hepatitis B remains high.
help Elimination of mother-to-child transmissionthe World Health Organization recommends implementing screening test all pregnant women who have hepatitis B during pregnancy, if they test positive, have it treated, and vaccinate newborns. However, the World Health Organization explained in a published report that, of 64 countries regulations aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, Only 32 carried out testing activities As well as treating these infections in an antenatal clinic.
The report also shows that of the 103 countries that responded to the questionnaire, 80% 1 in 103 tested and treated for hepatitis B at an HIV-infected care unit, 65% of people with hepatitis C do this. Strengthening hepatitis screening and treatment in HIV programs will protect HIV-positive people from suffering liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Of the 64 countries with legislation to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, only 32 have implemented testing and treatment activities for the infection in antenatal clinics.
Number of visitors in recent years Treatment for Hepatitis C It has passed Increase, but this trend is slowing down.The World Health Organization recommends using price reduction Drugs to facilitate the expansion of these treatments.
Currently, 12 weeks of treatment to cure hepatitis C costs US$ 60 in low-income countries, compared to more than US$ 90,000 in high-income countries when it was first introduced. As for hepatitis B, treatment costs less than US$ 30 per year ($2.4 per month).
The World Health Organization recommends taking advantage of falling drug prices to promote these treatments.
For those who want to keep their liver healthy, the World Health Organization recommends screening now from hepatitis Treatment after diagnosis In addition to getting the hepatitis B vaccine, it is important to prevent one of these infections reduce Drink alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, manage diabetes and high blood pressure.