The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guide to help countries combat the growing global threat of viral hepatitis. The “Operational Guide on Priorities in Planning Hepatitis B and C Testing Services” provides a roadmap for nations to develop effective testing strategies tailored to their unique needs and resources.
“Effective national strategic planning, funding and implementation of viral hepatitis testing services with linkage to care is critical in efforts to massively increase the number of people tested, diagnosed and treated,” said Dr.Meg Doherty, Director of WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes. “This guide is an essential tool for countries to operationalize current WHO recommendations.”
Viral hepatitis, alongside tuberculosis, was the second leading cause of death from communicable diseases worldwide in 2022, with deaths rising to 1.3 million from 1.1 million in 2019. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C accounted for 83% and 17% of these deaths, respectively. alarmingly, by the end of 2022, only 13% of the estimated 254 million people living with hepatitis B had been diagnosed, and less than 3% had received antiviral treatment. Similarly, only 36% of the estimated 50 million people living with hepatitis C had been diagnosed between 2015 and 2022, with a mere 20% receiving curative treatment. these statistics underscore the urgent need for widespread testing as the crucial first step towards accessing life-saving prevention, care, and treatment.
The WHO guide outlines a five-step framework for planning person-centered hepatitis B and C testing approaches. It emphasizes a strategic mix of testing methods, community mobilization and demand creation, and streamlined linkage to care. The guide also highlights the importance of community leadership, integration within existing health systems, and robust quality assurance measures.
“Viral hepatitis testing services should be included in national essential health benefit packages, supported by adequate financing and coordinated actions to advance universal health coverage and integration in primary health care. Let us not forget that every person we diagnose with hepatitis is not just someone we need to treat but also an advocate and partner in advancing our hepatitis response,” said Dr. Funmi Lesi, Team Lead, Global Hepatitis program, WHO.
The guide showcases success stories from four countries that have successfully implemented effective testing approaches and strategies, providing valuable insights into overcoming challenges and identifying key enablers of success.
The WHO urges health policymakers, national hepatitis programme managers, and community leaders to adopt the strategic testing approaches and service integration outlined in the guide. By doing so, nations can stem the rising mortality from hepatitis B and C and work towards the aspiring goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
## A Crucial Roadmap: expert Interview on WHO’s New Hepatitis Testing Guide
**World Today News:** Earlier this week,the World Health Organization (WHO) released a groundbreaking document,the ”Operational Guide on Priorities in Planning Hepatitis B and C Testing Services.” This guide aims to arm countries with the tools necessary to combat the escalating global burden of viral hepatitis. Today, we welcome Dr. Sofia oliveira, a renowned infectious disease specialist and lead researcher on hepatitis at the WHO, to discuss the significance of this new resource.
Dr. Oliveira, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Oliveira:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**World Today News:** Let’s start with the basics. Why is this guide so vital right now?
**Dr. Oliveira:** Viral hepatitis B and C are silent killers, affecting millions worldwide and leading to serious liver diseases, including cirrhosis and cancer. The key to reversing this trend lies in early diagnosis. This guide provides a structured approach for countries to implement complete hepatitis testing programs, ultimately leading to more peopel getting diagnosed, linked to care, and treated.
**World Today News:** The guide emphasizes a”tailored” approach to testing strategies. Can you elaborate on this?
**Dr.oliveira:** Absolutely. Every country faces unique challenges – resource constraints, diverse demographics, geographic complexities. This guide recognizes those complexities and encourages countries to develop plans that are specific to thier circumstances, whether it’s focusing on high-risk groups, leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure, or exploring innovative testing technologies.
**World Today News:** the guide also stresses the importance of linking testing to care. Why is this connection so vital?
**Dr. Oliveira:** Testing alone is not enough. We need to ensure that individuals who test positive receive appropriate follow-up care, including medication and support. This linkage is crucial for preventing long-term liver damage and ensuring positive health outcomes.
**World Today News:** What are some of the key takeaways for policymakers and healthcare professionals who are reviewing this guide?
**Dr. Oliveira:** First, it’s essential to prioritize hepatitis testing as a public health imperative. Second, invest in robust national strategic planning and allocate sufficient resources for program implementation. embrace innovative approaches, collaborations, and partnerships to overcome barriers and reach those moast in need.
**World Today News:** This guide is indeed a call to action for the global community. Dr. Oliveira, thank you for shedding light on this important tool.
**Dr. Oliveira:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the fight against viral hepatitis.
