High Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis in the Philippines and Other Countries: A Call for Emergency Action-2024!

Overview – Hepatitis

International medical experts have underscored the pressing need for countries with high rates of viral hepatitis, such as the Philippines, to officially declare public health emergencies. This urgent call to action is driven by the escalating burden of viral hepatitis, which remains a significant global health challenge.

The declaration of a public health emergency would enable these countries to mobilize resources more effectively, implement targeted interventions, and increase public awareness about the disease.

Viral hepatitis is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature, which allows the disease to progress undetected until it reaches advanced stages, such as liver cirrhosis or cancer.

The goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 requires a comprehensive and coordinated response to tackle both prevention and treatment gaps.

By declaring a public health emergency, affected nations can prioritize hepatitis control efforts, enhance screening and diagnostic services, and improve access to vaccines and antiviral treatments.

Key Points

• Viral Hepatitis Prevalence: High in many countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Expert Recommendation: Declare public health emergencies in high-burden countries to meet elimination targets by 2030.
• Current Global Status: Significant infections and deaths due to viral hepatitis.

Expert Recommendations

At a recent symposium, Dr. Saeed Hamid from Aga Khan University in Pakistan stressed the need for urgent action. He noted that at the current pace, most countries in the Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, will miss the 2030 targets for eliminating viral hepatitis. Dr. Hamid emphasized declaring emergencies in high-prevalence countries to expedite efforts.

Dr. John Ward, director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, supported this view. He argued that treating the situation as an emergency would prompt immediate and effective responses from authorities, significantly reducing preventable deaths.

Countries with High Prevalence

The World Health Organization (WHO) identified 38 focus countries, accounting for nearly 80% of global viral hepatitis infections and deaths. In the Asia-Pacific region, these countries include:

• South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan
• Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam
• East Asia: China, Mongolia
• Pacific Islands: Niue, Vanuatu

Hepatitis Overview

Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by various viruses. The main types are:

• Hepatitis A: Usually spread through contaminated food and water.
• Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids.
• Hepatitis C: Spread through blood-to-blood contact.
• Hepatitis D: Requires hepatitis B to replicate.
• Hepatitis E: Often spread through contaminated drinking water.

Types B and C are the most severe, often leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

Current Statistics

According to the WHO:

• Worldwide: In 2022, 304 million people lived with chronic hepatitis B and C.
• Deaths: 1.3 million deaths occurred due to these diseases.
• Philippines: In 2022, the country had 6.1 million hepatitis cases, including:
• Hepatitis B: 5.7 million cases
• Hepatitis C: 400,000 cases
• Deaths in the Philippines: 1,045 deaths, representing 0.2% of the total deaths in 2022.

Benefits of Declaring an Emergency

Experts argue that declaring a public health emergency for viral hepatitis can:

• Cost-Effective Measures: Within three years, efforts to address hepatitis become cost-effective.
• Cost Savings: Within five to seven years, these measures lead to cost savings by preventing disability and death.
• Immediate Action: A public health emergency status prompts rapid and comprehensive action, reducing preventable deaths.

Dr. Hamid noted that with swift action, the elimination goal is achievable by 2030 despite current challenges.

Call to Action

To meet the WHO’s targets of reducing new viral hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030, countries must act now. Improved diagnostic and treatment tools are available, but better coverage and implementation are needed.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of viral hepatitis in the Philippines and other countries requires urgent attention. Declaring a public health emergency can drive immediate action and help achieve the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a significant public health threat by 2030.

References

• World Health Organization. (2024). Global Hepatitis Report
• Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). Philippine Health Statistics
• Aga Khan University. Department of Medicine
• Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination. Official Website