POLICY BRIEF

Prevention, Treatment, and Management of
Hepatitis B Virus in Relation to WHO Goals

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, affecting over 296 million people and causing an estimated 820,000 deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, a goal that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.3. Achieving this HBV-specific goal involves reducing new infections by 90% and mortality by 65%. Creating an enabling environment to achieve these targets requires integrated strategies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care, as well as addressing disparities in access to HBV services. This Fast-Track Health policy brief highlights best practices in HBV prevention, treatment, and management, through five case studies, discusses challenges and opportunities, and provides actionable recommendations for municipal, national, and regional health authorities.

Universal Vaccination Program in Taiwan: Taiwan has been a global leader in HBV prevention through its universal newborn vaccination program, introduced in 1984. By ensuring all newborns receive the HBV vaccine and incorporating follow-up testing for maternal HBV, Taiwan reduced the prevalence of chronic HBV infection in children under 15 years from 10% to less than 1%. Additionally, a public awareness campaign helped to increase vaccine uptake and ensure community support for the program. Taiwan’s success underscores the importance of vaccination as a cornerstone of HBV prevention and the value of integrating vaccination programs into broader public health initiatives (WHO, 2022).

HBV Screening and Treatment in Mongolia: Mongolia, which has one of the highest rates of HBV infection globally, implemented a national hepatitis elimination plan in 2015. The plan focused on scaling up HBV screening and linking diagnosed individuals to care, including antiviral treatment. Through public-private partnerships, Mongolia subsidized the cost of diagnostic tests and medication, making treatment affordable for patients. These efforts reduced HBV-related liver cancer mortality by 15% over five years. Mongolia’s approach highlights the importance of affordable and accessible care to achieve elimination goals (Hepatology International, 2021).

Community-Based Screening in Egypt: Egypt leveraged its hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination program infrastructure to scale up HBV screening, particularly in rural areas. Mobile clinics and community health workers played a critical role in reaching underserved populations. Individuals testing positive for HBV were immediately referred for further evaluation and treatment at subsidized rates. By combining screening with public education about viral hepatitis, Egypt increased awareness and reduced stigma, improving community participation. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of integrating HBV interventions into broader health campaigns. (Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2022)

Innovative Financing for HBV Treatment in Rwanda: Rwanda introduced a pooled procurement system for antiviral medications, reducing the cost of HBV treatment significantly. The government also established a hepatitis treatment fund, supported by international donors, to provide free or low-cost care to patients. This financing model allowed Rwanda to scale up HBV treatment coverage to 75% of those eligible, significantly improving disease outcomes. Rwanda’s innovative approach to health financing provides a replicable model for resource-constrained settings (Global Health Financing Forum, 2023).

Digital Health for HBV Care in South Korea: South Korea integrated digital health tools into its HBV care continuum to enhance patient monitoring and engagement. Mobile apps allow patients to track their medication adherence, access educational materials, and communicate with healthcare providers. Providers use electronic health records and AI algorithms to predict disease progression and adjust treatment plans. These tools have improved treatment adherence and reduced HBV-related complications, showcasing the potential of digital innovations in chronic disease management (Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2023).

Efforts to prevent, treat, and manage HBV face numerous challenges. Vaccine coverage, particularly for birth-dose HBV vaccination, remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries due to logistical and financial barriers. Stigma and misconceptions about HBV deter individuals from seeking testing and care, exacerbating undiagnosed and untreated cases. Health system weaknesses, including limited access to diagnostic facilities and antiviral medications, hinder timely intervention. High costs of long-term HBV treatment place a significant burden on healthcare systems and patients, especially in resource-constrained settings. Additionally, a lack of robust surveillance systems limits the ability to monitor HBV prevalence and the impact of interventions, complicating progress tracking toward elimination goals.

Despite these challenges, substantial opportunities exist to advance HBV prevention, treatment, and management. Scaling up universal newborn vaccination programs, coupled with birth-dose vaccination, can dramatically reduce new infections. Integrating HBV testing into routine healthcare services and broader public health campaigns can improve case detection rates. Advances in antiviral therapies and long-acting HBV treatments offer the potential for simplified and more effective disease management. Digital health innovations, such as mobile health apps and electronic health records, can enhance patient engagement and optimize care delivery. Global and regional partnerships, including pooled procurement and donor funding mechanisms, can make diagnostics and treatments more affordable, reducing inequities in access to care.