Combat Hepatitis disease for improvement of public health

In line with the 2024 World Hepatitis Day theme, “It’s time for action”, the World Health Organization (WHO) stresses the urgency of accelerating efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health outcomes. Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a Hepatitis-related illness. With five main strains of the Hepatitis virus — A, B, C, D, and E — Hepatitis B and C are the most prevalent, causing 1.3 million deaths and 2.2 million new infections annually.
World Hepatitis Day, observed every 28 July, serves as a pivotal moment to bolster national and international efforts against Hepatitis. It encourages actions and engagement from individuals, partners, and the public, emphasizing the necessity for a robust global response as outlined in WHO’s 2017 Global Hepatitis Report.
The WHO reports that approximately 304 million people worldwide live with Hepatitis B or C. In several countries, Hepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis and can also lead to liver cancer. However, access to testing and treatment remains limited for many. Viral Hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, claiming 1.3 million lives annually, on par with tuberculosis. Hepatitis B accounts for 83 per cent of these deaths, while Hepatitis C is responsible for 17 per cent.
To combat this, the WHO has introduced new guidelines that focus on Hepatitis B. These guidelines prioritize simplified treatment criteria for adults and adolescents and expand eligibility for antiviral prophylaxis for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the Hepatitis B virus. They also emphasize the importance of enhancing diagnostics through point-of-care viral load testing, addressing hepatitis D coinfection with appropriate testing protocols, and delivering high-quality services.
Myanmar is making significant efforts to ensure medical coverage for Hepatitis B patients by manufacturing essential drugs locally. The Hepatitis B Vaccine Factory in Ywathagyi, Yangon Region, has been established to produce sufficient medication for local needs, with surplus production being exported to other countries. Moreover, traditional medicine practitioners are providing healthcare to people with Hepatitis using potent therapies based on ancient traditional medicine treatizes. Additionally, private pharmaceutical factories in Myanmar are producing reliable hepatitis vaccines for the people.
As World Hepatitis Day approaches, it is crucial to amplify efforts in raising public awareness, encouraging preventive measures, and ensuring access to diagnostic and treatment services. By taking decisive action now, we can save lives and significantly improve health outcomes for millions affected by Hepatitis worldwide.