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Abstract Details
What is Needed to Eliminate Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus as Global Health Threats
Ward JW1, Hinman AR2. Gastroenterology. 2018 Nov 1. pii: S0016-5085(18)35205-3. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.10.048. [Epub ahead of print]
Author information
1
Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA.
2
Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA.
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause 1.3 million deaths annually. To prevent over 7 million deaths by 2030, the World Health Organization set goals to eliminate HBV and HCV, defined as a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% reduction in deaths, and prevent more than 7 million related deaths by 2030. Elimination of HBV and HCV is feasible because of characteristics of the viruses, reliable diagnostic tools, and available cost-effective or cost-saving interventions. Broad implementation of infant immunization against HBV, blood safety and infection-control programs have greatly reduced the burden of HBV and HCV infections. To achieve elimination, priorities include implementation of HBV vaccine-based strategies to prevent perinatal transmission, safe injection practices and HCV treatment for persons who inject drugs, and testing and treatment for HBV- and HCV-infected persons. With sufficient capacity, HBV and HCV elimination programs can meet their goals.