Webinar training – a panel discussion on ‘hepatitis free future’ with elimination of hepatitis by 2030

ABSTRACT

Background: Poornima University, in collaboration with Jodhpur School of Public Health, hosted an insightful and interactive live global webinar on “Hepatitis Free Future” on 1st August 2020. Four speakers and six panellists addressed the current situation, preventive measures, and future directions for achieving the target of hepatitis elimination by 2030 Findings: Globally, Hepatitis B and C (HBV & HCV) accounts for 96% of all hepatitis mortality and more than 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 3 people worldwide has been infected with either HBV or HCV.Global uptake in childhood vaccination is significant for HBV, but the birth dose for all infants is too low (nearly 39% percent). Despite vaccination, 1.8 billion 5-year-old get infected every year with HBV.Various programs and projects are contributing to the elimination of the Hepatitis to reach the international goal. Due to COVID-19 there would be setbacks however we have all the tools within our reach and we must use them to get elimination, most importantly deliver it to the people who need it the most, if we plan to succeed by 2030. Conclusion: Hepatitis claims the lives of millions of people globally each year.With prevention, treatment, diagnostics, and vaccination hepatitis elimination is attainable. Greater investment in eliminating hepatitis will generate higher long-term returns. We have the tools, treatments, and strategies to combat this infectious disease. We need the support of various sectors to execute the plan, proper implementation of the idea, training, and awareness to the public domain. With leadership, resources, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, elimination of viral hepatitis is achievable.