Chronic viral hepatitis as a public health issue in the world

Given the substantial global burden attributable to HBV- and HCV-related chronic liver disease, the reduction of global mortality and morbidity related to chronic viral hepatitis, particularly in those areas of our globe where resources are scarce, should be a public health concern and a priority for action. Hepatitis B and C prevention and control should seek to reduce both the incidence of new infections and the risk of chronic liver disease. Based on our current knowledge and on our existing preventive and therapeutic arsenal, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention activities should be implemented and monitored in each country, with precise targets to be reached. The elimination of hepatitis B and reducing the burden of hepatitis C by 50% are achievable goals for the first half of this century. The development of a vaccine against hepatitis C is a major public health requirement.

• About one third of the world population has been infected with hepatitis B, and 350 million people are chronic carriers of the virus

• 130–170 million people are chronic carriers of the hepatitis C virus

• Chronic viral hepatitis induces chronic liver diseas, cirrhosis, liver cancer and causes a substantial burden to society globally

• The reduction of global mortality and morbidity related to chronic viral hepatitis through implementation of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention activities is a public health priority

• Efficient public health prevention programme should be established and their effectiveness should be assessed

• Set clear and time limited goals for national targets to be achieved in prevention, detection, immunisation and treatment of viral hepatitis

• Develop a vaccine for hepatitis C

• Eliminate hepatitis B

• Determine the incidence and prevalence of viral hepatitis at the national level

• Implement surveillance of new viral hepatitis infections and of chronic HBV- and HCV- related liver disease

• Develop better treatments for chronic viral hepatitis that are cost-effective, exhibit fewer side effects and are easier to implement and monitor

• Evaluate and improve prevention activities, including behaviour modification

Conflict of interest

No conflict of interest declared.