Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alick Ponje
Published on 2024-04-17 06:41:37
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024 Global Hepatitis Report reveals a concerning trend of increasing deaths due to viral hepatitis worldwide. This disease now ranks as the second leading infectious cause of death, claiming 1.3 million lives annually, on par with tuberculosis, another top infectious killer. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment tools, as well as decreasing product prices, testing and treatment coverage rates have plateaued, according to the report released at the recent World Hepatitis Summit.
The report emphasizes that achieving WHO’s elimination goal for hepatitis by 2030 is still possible if immediate action is taken. Data from 187 countries shows a rise in estimated deaths from viral hepatitis from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022. Hepatitis B was responsible for 83% of these deaths, while hepatitis C accounted for 17%. The report highlights that globally, 3,500 people die each day from hepatitis B and C infections.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the rising death toll, attributing it to inadequate diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis cases. He affirmed WHO’s dedication to assisting countries in maximizing available tools at affordable prices to save lives and reverse this troubling trend.
The updated WHO estimates show that 254 million people had hepatitis B and 50 million had hepatitis C in 2022. Half of the burden of chronic hepatitis B and C infections falls on individuals aged 30-54, with 12% affecting children under 18 years old. Men make up 58% of all cases. Although there was a slight decrease in new incidence rates compared to 2019, the overall incidence of viral hepatitis remains high, with 2.2 million new infections in 2022.
Despite the availability of affordable generic hepatitis medications, many countries struggle to procure them at lower prices. Pricing disparities persist globally, with some countries paying above the global benchmark price, even for off-patent drugs. WHO has put forth recommendations to accelerate hepatitis elimination, such as expanding access to testing, prioritizing equitable treatment policies, enhancing primary care prevention efforts, mobilizing innovative financing, involving affected communities and civil society, and advancing research for improved diagnostics and potential cures for hepatitis B.
In Malawi, guidelines for the prevention and management of hepatitis B and C were issued last year, integrating the prevention, treatment, and care of viral hepatitis and HIV. Routine screening for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis is now integrated into all service delivery points catering to high-risk populations, like pregnant women, people who inject drugs, and healthcare workers.
In conclusion, the Global Hepatitis Report underscores the urgent need for increased efforts to combat viral hepatitis and reduce its impact on global health. By implementing the recommended strategies and working collaboratively, countries can strive towards achieving WHO’s goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030 and saving countless lives from this deadly disease.
Read the original article on The Times
