Combating hepatitis B and C by 2030: achievements, gaps, and options for actions in China. Issue 6 (30th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Shu; Mao, Wenhui; Guo, Lei; Zhang, Jiahui; Tang, Shenglan
• Is Part Of: BMJ global health. Volume 5:Issue 6(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06-30
• Subjects: viral hepatitis -- health systems; World health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-7908

Abstract

Abstract : China has the highest number of hepatitis B and C cases globally. Despite remarkable achievements, China faces daunting challenges in achieving international targets for hepatitis elimination. As part of a large-scale project assessing China's progress in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals using quantitative, qualitative data and mathematical modelling, this paper summarises the achievements, gaps and challenges, and proposes options for actions for hepatitis B and C control. China has made substantial progress in controlling chronic viral hepatitis. The four most successful strategies have been: (1) hepatitis B virus childhood immunisation; (2) prevention of mother-to-child transmission; (3) full coverage of nucleic acid amplification testing in blood stations and (4) effective financing strategies to support treatment. However, the total number of deaths due to hepatitis B and C is estimated to increase from 434 724 in 2017 to 527 829 in 2030 if there is no implementation of tailored interventions. Many health system barriers, including a fragmented governance system, insufficient funding, inadequate service coverage, unstandardised treatment and flawed information systems, have compromised the effective control of hepatitis B and C in China. We suggest five strategic priority actions to help eliminate hepatitis B and C in China: (1) restructure the viral hepatitis control governance system; (2) optimise health resource allocation and improve funding efficiency; (3) improve access to and the quality of the health benefits package, especially for high-risk groups; (4) strengthen information systems to obtain high-quality hepatitis epidemiological data; (5) increase investment in viral hepatitis research and development.