It Is Time For Action

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"Hepatitis B and C are silent chronic infections that can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The good news is that there are medications that can cure hepatitis C, as well as effective treatments to control hepatitis B," - Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. An estimated 304 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C. For most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with 1.3 million deaths per year. Of these, 83% are caused by hepatitis B and 17% by hepatitis C. Each year, 28 July is observed as World Hepatitis Day (WHD). It provides a platform for advocacy, education and engagement with governments, health professionals and the public to drive awareness and action to eliminate viral hepatitis. The day offers an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing fight against all types of hepatitis, and to encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to combat the growing threat of the disease. Under the theme “It’s time for action”, this year’s World Hepatitis Day highlights the need for collaborative action to expand access to diagnosis and treatment in countries. Hepatitis B and C are silent chronic infections that, without proper diagnosis, can progress to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, causing a significant negative impact on the lives of people and communities in our Region. In the Americas, nearly 80,000 new infections of hepatitis B and C arise each year, which are mostly going undetected. Highlighting Awareness. Viral hepatitis affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Despite effective vaccines, prevention strategies, and medications, deaths from hepatitis are increasing globally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and other organizations around the world recognize WHD by raising awareness about viral hepatitis, the burdens people with hepatitis face, ongoing work to combat viral hepatitis across the globe, and actions people can take to prevent future transmission. Expand Access. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) continues to urge countries to expand access to testing and treatment for viral hepatitis, which affects more than ten million people in the Americas, only 23% of whom are diagnosed. According to the World Health Organization's 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, only 36% of people infected with hepatitis C globally are diagnosed and 20% receive curative treatment. As for chronic hepatitis B, only 13% of those infected are diagnosed and 2.6% receive life-saving medication. Under the theme "It's time for action!" the PAHO emphasizes the urgency of accelerating measures to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. PAHO works in collaboration with countries in the region on the design and implementation of national policies for the elimination of hepatitis, with strategies focused on primary care. Additionally, PAHO also facilitates access to diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines at more affordable prices through its Regional Revolving Funds. The global benchmark price for curative treatment of hepatitis C is USD $60 per 12-week course, and for hepatitis B treatment, it is USD $2.4 per month. Hepatitis is now the world’s deadliest virus, after COVID-19. World Hepatitis Day 2024 will amplify the voices of people living with hepatitis demanding testing, treatment, vaccinations and the end of stigma. It will make it clear there is no time to waste, and that leaders, politicians, doctors and communities must act now. Unfortunately, people living with hepatitis are still not being heard or getting the resources they need, despite the global scale of the problem. The international community therefore must redouble all efforts in order to reduce the cases of hepatitis. Have you ever had a hepatitis test? Only 1 in 6 people know they have it. Get tested today. It is time for action on this World Hepatitis Day. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldHepatitisDay #ItIsTimeForAction

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