Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle
Published on: February 1, 2017
Challenge of managing hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections in resource-limited settings
Zeinab Nabil Ahmed Said1, Manal Hamdy El-Sayed2
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. znabil58@yahoo.com.
Insights
Hepatitis B and C elimination is achievable by 2030, but resource-limited settings face challenges in diagnostics and treatment access. Strengthening healthcare and securing funding are crucial for diagnosis and care linkage.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfections pose significant global health challenges, especially in resource-limited settings.
- While HCV elimination is nearing feasibility due to direct-acting antivirals and affordable generics in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), HBV treatment access remains limited.
- Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV via birth dose vaccines in LMICs is vital for achieving 2030 elimination goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in managing HBV and HCV infections in resource-limited settings.
- To highlight the current status and propose future elimination strategies for HBV and HCV in these regions.
- To emphasize the need for improved diagnostics, preventive strategies, and political commitment.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current data on HBV and HCV management in resource-limited settings.
- It analyzes barriers to diagnosis and treatment, including awareness and access to affordable diagnostics and medications.
- It discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis elimination programs and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Main Results:
- Many individuals with HBV and/or HCV in resource-limited settings are undiagnosed.
- Access to affordable diagnostics and preventive strategies are the primary barriers to care, despite available medications.
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted elimination efforts but highlighted the need for robust healthcare systems and universal health coverage.
Conclusions:
- Achieving the 2030 hepatitis elimination goal requires sustained global efforts to increase awareness and political will.
- Securing adequate financial resources is essential for implementing comprehensive diagnostic and care linkage strategies in resource-constrained settings.
- Strengthening healthcare services and ensuring universal health coverage are critical for overcoming management challenges.
Abstract:
The global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and coinfection represents a major public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. Elimination of HCV by 2030 has become foreseeable, with effective direct-acting antiviral oral therapies and the availability of affordable generics in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). However, access to oral nucleos(t)ide therapy for HBV remains critical and is limited outside the existing global HIV program platforms despite affordable prices. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV through scaling up of birth dose implementation in LMICs is essential to achieve the 2030 elimination goal. Most individuals living with HBV and/or HCV in resource-limited settings are unaware of their infection, and with improved access to medications, the most significant barrier remains access to affordable diagnostics and preventive strategies. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic interrupted hepatitis elimination programs, albeit offered opportunities for improved diagnostic capacities and raised political awareness of the critical need for strengthening health care services and universal health coverage. This review underpins the HBV and HCV management challenges in resource-limited settings, highlighting the current status and suggested future elimination strategies in some of these countries. Global efforts should continue to improve awareness and political commitment. Financial resources should be secured to access and implement comprehensive strategies for diagnosis and linkage to care in resource-constrained settings to fulfill the 2030 elimination goal.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:24Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...