Progress towards achieving viral hepatitis B and C elimination in the Asia and Pacific region: Results from modelling and global reporting
Linh‐Vi Le, Sarah Blach, Bharat Bhushan Rewari, Polin Chan, Cui Fuqiang, Naoko Ishikawa, Mukta Sharma, Nabeel Mangadan Konath, Homie Razavi, Daniel Low‐Beer, Devin Razavi‐Shearer
Abstract
In 2016, Asia and Pacific countries endorsed action plans for reaching viral hepatitis elimination targets set in the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) for Viral Hepatitis 2016-2021. We examine the region's progress by modelling disease burden and constructing the cascade of care. Between 2015 and 2020, chronic HBV prevalence declined from 4.69% to 4.30%, and HCV prevalence declined from 0.64% to 0.58%. The region achieved the 2020 target of 30% incidence reduction for HBV, whereas HCV incidence declined by 6%. Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence for HBV and HCV increased by 9% and 7%, respectively. Liver-related deaths from HBV rose by 8%, and mortality attributable to HCV plateaued. Large testing and treatment gaps remained in 2019: only 13% of chronic HBV infections were diagnosed and 25% treated; 21% of chronic HCV infection were diagnosed and 11% treated. Viral hepatitis must become national priority with adequate funding to reach elimination goals by 2030.