World Hepatitis Day 2024

As we mark World Hepatitis Day on the 28th of July, it is crucial to reflect on the global impact of viral hepatitis and the collective efforts required to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. An estimated 354 million people live with hepatitis B or C worldwide. In Malaysia, approximately 1-5% of our population is infected with hepatitis B, and 2 to 2.5% with hepatitis C.

Although viral hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular cancer (liver cancer), 90% of those infected are unaware of their condition as they may not have any initial symptoms. Hence, the number of people being infected will rise, adding to significant healthcare and economic burden in the future due to higher rates of hospitalization and treatment for hepatitis-related complications.

Viral hepatitis B and C are now highly treatable and preventable. Hepatitis B vaccinations, which have been included in our national immunization program since 1989, are effective. Ideally, everyone born after 1989 would have been vaccinated and protected. Additionally, our Ministry of Health has been actively increasing awareness about the importance of screening and vaccinations. It is now recommended that all pregnant women be screened for chronic hepatitis B infection to prevent vertical transmission. Family members of those with hepatitis B should also be screened and if they don’t carry the virus, to be vaccinated. For those who are infected with chronic hepatitis B infection, there are effective antivirals (nucleotide/nucleoside analogues or called ‘nukes’ in short) to suppress viral replication and transmission, but the development of an effective cure is still underway. 

Chronic hepatitis C infection, however, is now curable. Treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection has evolved over the last decade, from an injectable medication (PEG interferon) with low cure rates and high side effect profile, to now oral medications (direct-acting antivirals) with minimal adverse effects and high (96-100%) cure rates especially in patients without liver cirrhosis. Hence, all patients screened positive for chronic hepatitis C infection, should be offered treatment.

Despite these medical advancements, we are still far from achieving the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by the year 2030. World Hepatitis Day thus serves as a timely reminder to intensify our efforts in improving screening, detection, vaccination and treatment for viral hepatitis.

Let’s strengthen our commitment to eradicating viral hepatitis, securing a healthier future for everyone!

Dr. Lau Su Yin, FRACP
Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 05/08/2024 | Updated: 04/09/2024 | nadia_rahman