July 28, 2024 – World Hepatitis Day | Rossonsky District Executive Committee

Viral Hepatitis: The Urgency of the Problem and Prevention

Viral hepatitis is a pressing global health issue. According to WHO data, hundreds of millions of people worldwide are infected with viral hepatitis, and a patient dies every 30 seconds due to hepatitis-related diseases. This is a staggering figure, especially considering that most of these deaths are preventable. Currently, all known viral hepatitis types – A, B, C, D, E, and G – maintain a high epidemic potential.

Infection with viral hepatitis occurs through various routes. Viral hepatitis is divided into two main groups: those with a fecal-oral transmission mechanism (A, E) and those with a parenteral transmission mechanism (B, C, D). Hepatitis A and E are primarily transmitted through contaminated water, food, and unwashed hands. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood (during intravenous drug use, use of non-sterile instruments for tattoos, piercings, cosmetic, manicure, and pedicure procedures, and medical procedures that breach the skin and mucous membranes), as well as from an infected mother to her child during childbirth and through unprotected sexual contact. The highest risk of infection with hepatitis B, C, and D viruses is associated with intravenous drug use.

For parenteral viral hepatitis B and C, the disease can manifest in both acute and chronic forms. It is important to know that chronic forms of viral hepatitis B and C can be asymptomatic for a long time, sometimes for years or even decades, yet can lead to the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer. At least sixty percent of hepatocellular carcinoma cases and deaths from it are linked to the late diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C can save lives.

Effective preventive measures against viral hepatitis include:

For hepatitis A and E: consuming clean water, washed fruits and vegetables, and maintaining hand hygiene.

To protect yourself from hepatitis B and C infection, remember that blood can be present in microscopic doses on razors, manicure scissors, toothbrushes, and other hygiene items. This is important to know in family settings (individual toothbrushes, scissors, etc.) and when visiting hairdressers (sterilized instruments must be used).
When getting tattoos and piercings, it is important to use sterile instruments.
Use of condoms during casual sexual encounters.
Use of disposable medical instruments.
However, vaccination is of paramount importance in prevention. Vaccines against hepatitis A and B are effective and safe and have been used in many countries around the world for many years. In the Republic of Belarus, population immunization against hepatitis B is carried out within the framework of the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations. Vaccinations are provided free of charge to children and adults under 55 years of age who have not been previously vaccinated against this infection. It is important to note that the hepatitis B vaccine indirectly protects a person from the hepatitis D virus as well, since this virus can only replicate in the presence of the hepatitis B virus.

Immunization against viral hepatitis A is carried out free of charge for epidemiological indications and on a paid basis in polyclinics at the place of residence.

Thanks to a comprehensive set of preventive and anti-epidemic measures, the incidence of acute viral hepatitis B and C in the Republic of Belarus continues to decline. Further implementation of hepatitis B prevention programs, and primarily the population vaccination program, will lead to a decrease in the incidence of acute hepatitis B throughout the country to isolated cases and the cessation of mother-to-child transmission of the virus during childbirth.

A vaccine for hepatitis C has not been developed due to the high variability of the virus. However, significant progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The breakthrough in treatment is associated with the emergence of new highly effective and safe drugs that allow for a complete cure for hepatitis C. Antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B does not completely eliminate the virus from the body, but it allows for reducing its amount in the blood (viral load) to undetectable levels, which leads to a reduced risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. Therefore, it is important to diagnose these diseases in a timely manner, be under medical supervision, and undergo treatment if indicated.

Currently, a program for the treatment of viral hepatitis C is being implemented in the Republic of Belarus, which will allow for a reduction or elimination of the incidence of this infection in the near future.

Candidate of Medical Sciences,

Chief Freelance Physician-Infectious Disease Specialist

for Infectious Diseases,

Chief Physician of the Healthcare Institution "VOKIB" Kovaleva T.A.

Physician-Infectious Disease Specialist (Head)

of Department 5 – Infectious Diseases

Adult Diagnostic