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Doctors front line eliminate hepatitis:
On the occasion of World Day against Hepatitis. Meanwhile, Sciensano underlines the advances recorded in the fight against viral hepatitis in Belgium on Monday, while recalling the need to intensify prevention, screening and treatment efforts, especially with the most vulnerable groups.
Hepatitis B and C, viral liver infections, can evolve towards chronic diseases, cirrhosis or cancer. Furthermore, Often asymptomatic, they can be detected by a simple test. However, Curative treatment exists for hepatitis C. Consequently, while an effective vaccine against hepatitis B has been systematically administered to infants in Belgium since 1999.
Hepatitis C: Decrease in new cases, but vigilance required – Doctors front line eliminate hepatitis
In 2022, Belgium identified just under 700 new cases of hepatitis C, or approximately 6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure in accordance with the objective set by the World doctors front line eliminate hepatitis Health Organization (WHO). Nevertheless, This decline is explained by the reimbursement, since 2019, of antiviral treatments with direct action for all infected persons. Men represent 60 % of diagnoses, with an average age of 50 years.
The disease is mainly transmitted by blood, particularly affecting injectable drug users. Men who have sex with men. imprisoned people, migrants from countries with a high prevalence and the homeless are also among the most exposed groups.
In 2023, nearly 800,000 screening tests were reimbursed, an increase of 5 % compared to 2022. Sciensano insisted on the need to continue efforts to reach the populations most distant from care. fight the stigmatization that still surrounds this infection.
Hepatitis B: effective vaccination but too high a number of cases – Doctors front line eliminate hepatitis
Unlike hepatitis C, hepatitis B cases remain superior to the WHO objectives. In 2022, the doctors front line eliminate hepatitis number of new infections was estimated at 1,915, or 16.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Men, representing 56 % of cases, are slightly more affected, with an average age with a diagnosis of 46 years.
Transmission is mainly done by sexual means in Belgium, while drug injections are a less frequent route. People with multiple partners. risky sexual practices, as well as non -vaccinated migrants from countries with a high prevalence, remain particularly vulnerable.
In 2023, some 763,000 screening tests were reimbursed, equivalent to 65 tests for 1,000 inhabitants. This figure is increasing in the three regions of the country.
Priorities for 2030
Sciensano recalls that the elimination of viral hepatitis remains a realistic objective by 2030, provided that the priority actions are strengthened:
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Increase vaccination coverage against hepatitis B, targeting people doctors front line eliminate hepatitis at risk and ensuring universal vaccination of children;
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Facilitate access to screening and care for the most vulnerable audiences;
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intensify the awareness of risk groups and health professionals;
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Promote the use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B;
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strengthen prevention actions with drug consumers;
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Fighting stigma to improve the quality of life of infected people.

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Reinforced epidemiological monitoring
Sciensano recently consolidated epidemiological monitoring of hepatitis B and C in order to provide reliable data to health professionals, decision -makers and the population. This approach aims to support prevention. treatment strategies with a view to eliminating these infections as a threat to public health by the end of doctors front line eliminate hepatitis the decade.
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