The long road ahead toward elimination of HPV as a global public health threat

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant global public health threat, with approximately 250 to 300 million people worldwide living with chronic HBV infection. Although effective vaccines and antiviral treatments have been available for decades, HBV is still responsible for an estimated 820,000 deaths annually, highlighting the persistent challenges in eliminating HBV as a public health threat.

This presentation begins by discussing the global burden of HBV, emphasizing the increase in the death toll despite a decrease in prevalence. Key prevention strategies are reviewed, including universal infant vaccination with an emphasis on the timely birth dose, catch-up vaccination for unimmunized adults, and antiviral prophylaxis for mothers with high viral loads to prevent breakthrough transmission. The difficulties in implementing these strategies are discussed, focusing on disparities in resource availability.

For people living with HBV, the importance of early diagnosis and linkage to care are emphasized. Furthermore, the roles of antiviral treatment in reducing the complication risks are discussed. The care cascade faces many hurdles that hinder progress toward HBV elimination, including the lack of awareness and stigma surrounding the infection, limited access to diagnostics and treatment, and difficulties in adherence to long-term care. The presenter advocates for a strengthened healthcare system with patient-centered approaches. Potential actions to overcome these hurdles are addressed.

By examining the global burden of HBV and the limitations of current strategies, this presentation outlines a roadmap for the future. It underscores the need for sustained commitment, interdisciplinary collaboration, equitable access to care, and the promotion of research and innovation to ultimately eliminate HBV as a public health threat.