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Today, on the World Hepatitis Day, the new awareness campaign lead by the World Health Organization (WHO) underlines the importance of the concept of "leaving no one behind". People with tuberculosis are at increased risk of contracting HCV infection, the prevalence of which among them, according to various estimates, is 2 times higher than in the general population.

There are 325 million people worldwide living with chronic hepatitis B and C. There are 15 million and 14 million people living with hepatitis B and C in the European Region, respectively.

High HCV infection in tuberculosis patients predetermines the need for strict adherence to the anti-epidemic regimen in connection with possible hospital infection with hepatitis C.

Hepatitis causes more than 170,000 deaths each year. But it is important to understand that these deaths can be prevented with timely testing and treatment and, in the case of hepatitis B with vaccinations.

On this day, WHO reminds the people that the idea of making the world free of hepatitis is feasible, and in order to achieve this goal, it is essential to maintain the necessary range of services, despite the ongoing  COVID-19 pandemic.

This implies adhering to the concept of “leaving no one behind” and expanding access to testing and treatment, especially for people who are often underserved, such as prisoners or drug users. Ensuring the continuity of hepatitis B vaccination programs and scaling up testing and treatment services for hepatitis B and C is essential.

WHO campaign material for World Hepatitis Day 2020: https://bit.ly/303TcaR

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