Based on the latest available data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD 2019) conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, baseline age-adjusted mortality rate due to chronic viral hepatitis rose from 9.73 deaths per 100 000 population in 2017 to 9.99 deaths per 100 000 population in 2019. As shown in Figure above, projections indicate an annual increase in mortality of 1.1% between 2017 and 2025. To reach the 2025 target of 5.3 deaths per 100 000 population, an annual reduction of 5.4% is needed. The Region is far from on track for achieving the target for this indicator. 

Promoting adequate access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic viral hepatitis remains a major challenge that threatens the achievement of disease elimination targets for 2030. Although political commitment for addressing chronic viral hepatitis has increased in the Region, there needs to be stronger implementation of policies and initiatives addressing the disease, along with better use of treatments that have proven to be effective In recent years the Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies has successfully reduced prices for antivirals that can cure more than 95% of chronic hepatitis C infections. 

Recommendations 

• Promote access to medicines that effectively prevent the progression of chronic viral hepatitis to liver cancer and liver cirrhosis. 

• Prevent new hepatitis B infections with robust vaccination efforts. 

• Develop and implement strategies that improve access to quality hepatitis services, focusing on scaling up diagnosis and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis and securing the allocation of domestic resources to finance national responses.