Regional strategy for the prevention and control of Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

Viral hepatitis is a serious public health problem worldwide, as well as for the Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region. The complexity of hepatitis disease lies in the existence of different types of viruses. Hepatitis A and E are foodborne and waterborne infections that cause millions of cases of acute illness every year. Hepatitis B, C, and D are spread in a number of ways, namely by receiving unscreened blood and blood products, sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission during birth, or through use of contaminated medical equipment. Hepatitis B and C have a greater health burden and a high mortality related to chronic infection, which in turn can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Considering the importance of prevention and control of viral hepatitis, the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, together with active participation of the representatives of the Member States has developed a regional strategy for prevention and control of viral hepatitis. The goal of the strategy is to implement policies, programmes and interventions to interrupt transmission and reduce the incidence and the socioeconomic consequences of viral hepatitis in the Region.