Closing the gaps in the fight against hepatitis
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
In-depth
Named sources
Context piece
- Earlier testing and easier access to care are crucial to prevent liver cancer and premature deaths from hepatitis, especially in Asia.
- Hepatitis B and C disproportionately affect the Asia Pacific region, with many people remaining asymptomatic for years.
- Stigma and lack of awareness hinder early diagnosis and treatment, despite available prevention and vaccination methods.
Earlier testing and improved access to care could significantly reduce liver cancer rates and premature deaths linked to hepatitis, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, which bears a heavy global burden of the disease. Hepatitis B and C remain major public health concerns, affecting over two-thirds of the world's chronic hepatitis B patients and nearly half of those with hepatitis C.
Even when patients are diagnosed, they may not seek treatment because they do not feel unwell.
Many individuals living with hepatitis B or C experience no symptoms for years, making detection difficult. Dr. Janus Ong, a gastroenterologist, explained that even after diagnosis, some patients may not seek treatment because they feel well, a dangerous situation as untreated hepatitis can silently progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. This lack of detection is partly due to historically high rates of mother-to-child transmission before widespread vaccination and prevention systems were established.
Stigma and misconceptions surrounding hepatitis also play a significant role in hindering progress. Dr. Ong noted that the myth that hepatitis only affects individuals with specific behaviors or lifestyles can make people afraid to get tested or disclose their status. This fear delays diagnosis and treatment, allowing the disease to advance and increasing the risk of severe complications.
That can be dangerous, because untreated hepatitis can progress silently over time to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Organizations like Gilead, through its "Behind the Silence" campaign in collaboration with the World Hepatitis Alliance, are working to combat stigma by sharing the experiences of those living with hepatitis. These efforts aim to encourage open conversations and promote earlier testing and care, aligning with the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination targets for hepatitis.
Such misunderstandings, combined with stigma, can make people afraid to get tested or disclose their status.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
