Strategies for Global Elimination of Chronic HBV Infection: 2019 Update

Abstract

With just over a decade to go before the WHO 2030 hepatitis elimination targets, this review takes a global perspective at the major challenges standing in the way of hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination and discusses potential innovative solutions on the horizon for use in high burden settings. Universal HBV infant vaccination has been an incredible success. However, in order to reach the elimination targets, efforts now need to urgently focus on scaling up HBV prevention of mother-to-child (PMTCT) interventions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing population level testing and treatment. Innovative outreach strategies, simplified diagnostics and novel biomarkers and integration of systems are promising solutions to allow HBV elimination to be reached in an effective and affordable way. This should go alongside careful financing, policy planning and establishment of strong surveillance systems.