Last week, the World Health Organization issued the first treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be spread through blood and body fluids. It damages the liver and kills approximately 650,000 people each year, most of which are in low- and middle-income countries.
From a global perspective, approximately 240 million people carry chronic hepatitis B virus, which is the highest prevalence rate in Africa and Asia. People with chronic hepatitis B infection have an increased risk of dying from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
There are effective drugs to prevent these diseases and prolong their lifespan, but most people who need this drug still cannot get or receive non-standard treatment. Do not. One of the reasons for this is that countries (especially low- and middle-income countries) have not provided clear evidence-based guidelines on who should be treated and which drugs should be used.
Dr. Stefan Wiktor, head of the WHO Global Hepatitis Program, said: “Determining who needs treatment for hepatitis B depends on many factors.” These new guidelines provide treatment recommendations based on simple, inexpensive tests that can help clinicians make the right decisions. Decided. "
"Prevention, Care and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection" WHO "Guidelines for simple methods to treat chronic hepatitis B, especially in resource-limited settings.
This guidance document covers all treatment methods, from deciding who needs treatment, which drugs to use, and how to monitor infected individuals over time.
The main suggestions are:
1. Use some simple non-invasive tests to assess the stage of liver disease and determine who needs treatment.
2. Focus on treating patients with liver disease in the latest stage of cirrhosis;
3. Treat chronic hepatitis B with tenovir or entecavir (two safe and effective drugs);
4. Monitor to determine whether conventional treatment is effective and whether simple detection methods should be used to stop treatment to detect liver cancer early.
5. The special needs of certain groups of people are also considered, such as HIV, co-infected persons of children and adolescents and pregnant women.
Currently, many countries/regions offer two recommended generic drugs. These drugs are relatively cheap, only $5 per person per month. Dr. Wicker said: "It is important for patients to obtain these drugs at the lowest possible price, because many people require life-long treatment."
Many countries have begun to formulate hepatitis B treatment plans. The latest document also provides guidelines on how to organize and implement hepatitis care and treatment services. The WHO Global Hepatitis Program said: “For example, countries need to consider improving access to medicines and how to provide the most effective quality of care based on existing medical services and staff.” said a doctor Philip Eastbrook .
People who have been infected with hepatitis B can be treated to extend their life, but it is also important to prevent new infections. WHO recommends that all children get the hepatitis B vaccine and get the vaccine first. Universal child vaccination, especially in some Asian countries, has reduced the prevalence of hepatitis B in children. The current challenge is to continuously increase efforts to ensure that all children in the world are protected from this virus.
Another way of transmission is the reuse of medical devices, especially syringes. The WHO recently announced a new injection safety policy. It also helps prevent new hepatitis B infections. This policy requires the use of "smart" syringes worldwide to prevent reuse of syringes or needles. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the first hepatitis C treatment guidelines last year, new hepatitis B treatment guidelines have been formulated.