“We have the knowledge, the evidence and the tools. What is needed now is action to successfully eliminate hepatitis,” said Al-Mandhari.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region has achieved several successes in its fight against hepatitis in the past 5 years.
It has led the way in hepatitis C testing and treatment, thanks to strong political commitment from Member States, especially Egypt.
Also, 20 Member States have now achieved the 1% hepatitis B prevalence target among children under 5 years of age through successful programmes to immunize infants.
However, further effort is needed to achieve elimination. People in the Region are still becoming infected with hepatitis viruses in health care settings because of unsafe injection practices.
The coverage of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination is also low, prompting WHO’s regional hepatitis campaign to focus on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus, which can be achieved through vaccination starting at birth and screening pregnant mothers with a view to possible prophylaxis.
“I am pleased to say that today, several Member States in the Region will be announcing their roadmaps to accelerate progress in this area, starting a steady journey towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in our Region,” Al-Mandhari added.
On World Hepatitis Day 2021, WHO is calling on all countries, governments, civil society and partners to work hand in hand to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. A hepatitis-free future is achievable through concerted and coordinated efforts.
Source: Jordan News Agency