Tag

Viral Hepatitis

All articles tagged with #viral hepatitis

health2 months ago•7 min saved

Preventable liver disease propels rise in liver cancer deaths worldwide

Liver cancer deaths are rising globally, including in the UK, with most cases linked to preventable liver disease caused by obesity, type 2 diabetes, excess alcohol, and viral hepatitis. At least 60% of primary liver cancers may be preventable by addressing these risk factors. Early detection and lifestyle changes can reduce risk and improve survival, but without urgent government action—such as restricting alcohol and ultra-processed foods, expanding addiction services and hepatitis testing, and implementing policy reforms—the trend is unlikely to reverse.

via ScienceAlert|

#cancer-prevention #health #liver-cancer

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Rising Threat: WHO's Alert on Global Hepatitis Deaths"

A World Health Organization report reveals that viral hepatitis is the second-leading cause of death among non-COVID communicable diseases worldwide, with deaths on the rise and progress in fighting the disease stalling. The report highlights the burden of viral hepatitis in 187 countries and emphasizes the need to address disparities in primary care, medication availability, testing, and vaccination. Despite global progress in preventing hepatitis infections, deaths are increasing due to insufficient diagnosis and treatment, but the WHO suggests that expanding equitable access to hepatitis interventions could help eliminate the disease by 2030.

via The Washington Post|

#disease-burden #global-health #health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

"Global Crisis: WHO Reports 3,500 Daily Deaths from Viral Hepatitis"

The World Health Organization's 2024 Global Hepatitis Report reveals that viral hepatitis is claiming 3500 lives each day, with 1.3 million deaths per year. Despite better tools for diagnosis and treatment, testing and treatment coverage rates have stalled. The report emphasizes the need for swift action to achieve the WHO elimination goal by 2030. New data shows an increase in deaths from viral hepatitis, with 83% caused by hepatitis B and 17% by hepatitis C. The report outlines recommendations to accelerate progress towards ending the epidemic, including expanding access to testing and diagnostics, strengthening prevention efforts, and mobilizing innovative financing. Funding for viral hepatitis remains a challenge, and the report seeks to address these inequities and access affordable tools.

via World Health Organization (WHO)|

#deaths #global-health #health

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Hawaiʻi Faces Devastating Hepatitis Epidemic

Hawaiʻi has higher rates of hepatitis B and C, leading to higher liver cancer mortality compared to the continental United States. The state's Department of Health is working on a surveillance infrastructure to track the spread of viral hepatitis and develop prevention strategies. Hepatitis A is contracted through contaminated food, while hepatitis B is spread through mother-to-child transmission, sexual transmission, or contact with contaminated blood. Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, often associated with sharing drug paraphernalia. Although hepatitis C is curable, there is no vaccine or immunity. Hawaiʻi has higher rates of hepatitis B and C among Asian and Pacific Islander residents, contributing to the disparities in liver cancer mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing all adults for hepatitis B and C.

via KHON2|

#hawaii #health #hepatitis

health3 years ago•2 min saved

"Urgent Call for Enhanced Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Worldwide"

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling on countries in the Americas to increase access to diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis B and C in order to eliminate the disease in the region by 2030. PAHO highlights that while hepatitis can become chronic, it can be effectively controlled with medicines if detected early. Currently, only a small percentage of those with hepatitis are aware of their condition and receive treatment. PAHO emphasizes the need for increased investment in diagnostics and medicines, as well as the availability of affordable options, to scale up access to treatment and prevent liver cancer and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis.

via Loop News Caribbean|

#diagnosis #elimination #health