WHO urges countries to step up actions against Hepatitis B, C

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries in the Western Pacific to step up actions against Hepatitis B and C, saying the region accounts for 40 percent of global deaths from the diseases.

“In this day and age, people should not suffer from diseases that can be prevented with vaccines. When solid political will and commitment are matched with viable resources for immunization, dramatic results can be achieved,” WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Shin Young-soo said.

The call was made in line with the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day tomorrow.

Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases causing infl ammation of the liver. There are five main types of hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D and E. These infections affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Hepatitis B virus infection can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and cancer. The virus is transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids. Infection often occurs during childbirth or early childhood, but can be prevented through vaccination at birth followed by at least two additional doses during infancy. Treatment also exists to suppress the virus.

Hepatitis C, on the other hand, can cause acute and chronic hepatitis infection, ranging from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a lifelong illness resulting in liver cirrhosis or cancer.

It is blood-borne and the virus is most commonly transmitted through unsafe injection practices, unsterile medical equipment in health- care settings, and unscreened blood and blood products. There is no vaccine available for hepatitis C, but effective treatment can cure most patients in just three months.

According to the WHO, viral hepatitis places a heavy burden on individuals and health systems because of the high costs of treating liver failure and chronic liver disease. In many countries, viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver transplants.

The Western Pacific accounts for more than 50 percent of the 240 million chronic hepatitis B infections worldwide. An estimated 900 people die each day from hepatitis B- related cirrhosis and liver cancer in the region.

The region bears nearly half of the global burden of chronic hepatitis C infections. Of the 130–150 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C worldwide, more than 60 million live in the Western Pacific.

“Sadly, very few of the individuals infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C in the region are receiving treatment. Urgent action is needed to increase access to treatment and reduce the stigma associated with hepatitis infection,” the WHO said.