I am very pleased to join you today with you at the launch of “Healthy Liver Club” and “Action Month for World Hepatitis Day 2019”.
First of all, I would like to express my appreciation and congratulate to the Ministry of Health and the National Hospital for Tropical Disease for the establishment of the Healthy Liver Club and the launch of the Action Month for World Hepatitis Day 2019.
Since 2010, we observe the World Hepatitis Day on 28 July. It provides an opportunity for education and greater understanding of viral hepatitis a global public health problem.
Viral hepatitis is a big public health problem both globally and in Viet Nam. Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide, leading to about 1.4 million deaths a year. In Viet Nam, about 7.8 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B and another one million people are living with chronic hepatitis C. We estimate that about 40,000 people die from fatal disease caused by hepatitis B and C infection.
Viral hepatitis is both preventable and manageable. More precisely, viral hepatitis B is preventable by vaccination in early childhood. There are several effective medicines which can prevent progression of chronic hepatitis B. Though no available vaccine for viral hepatitis C, current medicine can cure the infection.
With these new scientific development, the world leaders set a target to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. It is an ambitious target and achievable.
Frankly speaking, there are still big gap to fill in order to show substantive progress towards the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination target.
Less than 10% of people living with HBV and HCV know their status and less than one third of people diagnosed with HBV and HCV received treatment. The coverage of hepatitis B vaccination is yet below 75% including birth dose.
I believe the Healthy Liver Club establishing today will play very important role in educating people on key messages of viral hepatitis prevention and treatment. I am sure that the club will contribute to achieving the national, regional and global targets of elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
I am very happy to learn that today the hospital will organize a testing campaign for people in Dong Anh district. I believe the hospital together with the Healthy Liver Club will support for people diagnosed with HBV to access to care and treatment.
We need more bold action beyond communication and testing campaign in order to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.
A substantive increase in funding for hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment services is required as part of achieving universal health coverage. In addition to vaccination, testing and insurance coverage of medicine, we need more investment and comprehensive approach including blood safety strategies, safe injection practices and harm reduction services.
Investing in hepatitis is a smart decision for broader health outcomes. We call for more investment for hepatitis to keep our people healthy and to save people’ lives.
I truly believe Viet Nam will demonstrate a leadership in effective response to viral hepatitis. Together we can help people live with a healthy liver, keep our children free of hepatitis and stop people from dying needlessly from hepatitis.
Xin cảm ơn!