Ulaanbaatar
Urgent increase in hepatitis testing and treatment needed
Society
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ World Hepatitis Day which falls on every year on July 28 is being marked under the theme ‘Test, Treat Hepatitis’ this year in Mongolia. WHO is holding several events to mark World Hepatitis Day with the Government of Mongolia, a country that is heavily burdened by hepatitis but also a champion in the global fight. In this regard, WHO and the Mongolian Ministry of Health held press briefing today, on July 26.
Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people around the world. Left untreated, these infections lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis, which together caused more than 1.3 million deaths in 2015 alone. 80 percent of liver cancer in Mongolia are diagnosed at late stage. "Timely testing and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C and early detection of liver cancer can save lives," stressed the specialists.
Over 10 percent of Mongolia's 3 million people are living with chronic hepatitis infection. The country started its national Healthy Liver Program in 2017, with ambitious targets for 2020.
"Within the first year of the national program, which targeted the 40–65 year age group, we were able to reach more than 350 thousand people with hepatitis testing. Over 70 percent of people diagnosed with hepatitis were provided with life-saving treatment. The program aims to provide hepatitis B and C screening to 1.8 million people aged over 15 years", Minister of Health D. Sarangerel stated.
Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people around the world. Left untreated, these infections lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis, which together caused more than 1.3 million deaths in 2015 alone. 80 percent of liver cancer in Mongolia are diagnosed at late stage. "Timely testing and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C and early detection of liver cancer can save lives," stressed the specialists.
Over 10 percent of Mongolia's 3 million people are living with chronic hepatitis infection. The country started its national Healthy Liver Program in 2017, with ambitious targets for 2020.
"Within the first year of the national program, which targeted the 40–65 year age group, we were able to reach more than 350 thousand people with hepatitis testing. Over 70 percent of people diagnosed with hepatitis were provided with life-saving treatment. The program aims to provide hepatitis B and C screening to 1.8 million people aged over 15 years", Minister of Health D. Sarangerel stated.
WHO and partners are calling today on countries to urgently increase hepatitis testing and treatment services in order to achieve the globally agreed goals.
Aiming to speed up global progress, WHO is also releasing new global guidelines on hepatitis C treatment. The guidelines enable major simplifications in the delivery of curative therapy to the 70 million people living with chronic hepatitis C in the world.
“Eliminating hepatitis will require ongoing innovation, better medicines, and improved health services,” said Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, WHO Director for HIV and Hepatitis. “Our new recommendations should pave the way for everybody with hepatitis C to access testing and curative treatment now."
Additionally, an official launch of World Hepatitis Day will take place tomorrow, on July 27 at Sukhbaatar square. During the event, hepatitis testing for 2000 target group people will be made free of charge with diagnosing device that met WHO’s quality standard.
B.Batchimeg
