Countries in the Asia Pacific region face a critical imperative to declare a public health emergency if they are to achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating hepatitis by the year 2030. The declaration of such an emergency would galvanize resources, heighten awareness, and mobilize coordinated efforts necessary to combat this pervasive and potentially deadly disease.
Without prompt and decisive action, these nations are at significant risk of falling short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target to eradicate hepatitis, which remains a major global health challenge. Hepatitis continues to impact millions of individuals across the region, contributing to high rates of liver disease and mortality.
Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive strategy that includes widespread screening, increased access to treatment, and robust public health campaigns to educate populations about prevention and management. The commitment to declare a public health emergency would signal a serious and concerted effort to tackle the disease head-on, ensuring that the necessary interventions are in place to meet the WHO’s target and ultimately improve public health outcomes across the Asia Pacific region.
Hepatitis: Declaring a Health Emergency to End Hepatitis in Asia – 2024!
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a serious liver inflammation caused by a virus. It is the second most deadly infectious disease globally, only behind COVID-19. The WHO reports that hepatitis claims 3,500 lives every day.
Types of Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A and B: Preventable with vaccines.
- Hepatitis C, D, and E: No widely available vaccines.
WHO’s Goals for Eliminating Hepatitis
In 2016, the WHO set ambitious targets to fight hepatitis:
- Reduce new infections by 90%
- Cut deaths by 65%
- Treat 80% of those affected
The goal is to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
Current Challenges
Saeed Hamid, a leading expert from Aga Khan University in Pakistan, highlighted the slow progress in many Asia Pacific countries. During a forum in Vietnam, he warned that without drastic measures, most countries in the region would not meet the 2030 target.
Key Issues:
- Diagnosis Gaps: Many people are diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
- Treatment Coverage: Access to treatment remains limited despite lower costs.
The Need for a Health Emergency Declaration
Hamid suggested declaring a public health emergency to fight hepatitis, similar to the response for COVID-19. He believes this approach would show the political will necessary to tackle the disease effectively.
Regional Hepatitis Burden
The Asia Pacific region has a high burden of hepatitis, especially:
- Pakistan: World’s highest hepatitis C cases at 8.8 million.
- Main Transmission: Poor sterilization in healthcare settings.
- Death Rate: Three deaths per minute from hepatitis, which are mostly preventable.
John Ward from the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination emphasized the need for testing, treatment, and reducing the stigma associated with the disease. He supported the idea of declaring a public health emergency to prompt immediate action.
Global Efforts and Success Stories
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that hepatitis kills over 1 million people annually and infects 3 million more. He highlighted ten countries responsible for most hepatitis B and C cases, including China, India, and Pakistan.
Success Story: Egypt
- Campaign: 100 Million Healthy Lives.
- Achievements: Tested 60 million people, treated over 4 million, and reduced new hepatitis C infections significantly.
Pakistan aims to replicate Egypt’s success with a similar large-scale health campaign.
Conclusion
To meet the 2030 targets for eliminating hepatitis, countries in the Asia Pacific region must take decisive action. Declaring a public health emergency could provide the necessary focus and resources to address this deadly disease effectively.
References:
- WHO: Hepatitis
- WebMD: Types of Hepatitis
- Aga Khan University
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination
- Reuters: Hepatitis in Asia
- The Guardian: Hepatitis
By taking these steps, the Asia Pacific region can make significant progress in the fight against hepatitis and improve the health and lives of millions.
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