MEPs campaign against ‘silent’ hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a silent disease which rarely gets the attention it deserves, according to MEPs, who launched an implementation guide for EU member states’ policies. The implementation guide includes recommendations on prevention and awareness, surveillance and screening, and access to treatment. Viral hepatitis B (HBV) is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable disease affecting 240 million people worldwide. HBV, both acute and chronic, can be transmitted for example through unsafe injection practices, blood, and mother-to-infant transmission. Viral hepatitis C (HCV) is a curable, infectious disease that is primarily transmitted through the blood. Late diagnosis as well as a lack of referral, access and adherence to treatment can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, making HCV the leading cause of liver transplants in Europe. Petru Luhan, a Romanian MEP from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), said that viral hepatitis is becoming an increasingly important issue as the number of people infected is rising,...