Molecular diagnosis of viral hepatitis in the WHO African region: progress toward 2030 elimination goals

Abstract

The WHO African Region bears a disproportionately high burden of hepatitis B and C virus infections, yet molecular diagnostic capacity remains limited, impeding accurate detection, treatment monitoring, and surveillance. This Letter highlights the critical role of molecular diagnostics, including nucleic acid amplification tests, viral load quantification, and genotypic characterization, in achieving the United Nations' 2030 viral hepatitis elimination targets. I have discussed the infrastructural, financial, and logistical challenges constraining molecular testing in the region, and underscore emerging innovations such as point-of-care viral load assays and portable sequencing technologies. Prioritizing accessible molecular diagnostics and genomic surveillance within national hepatitis control programs is essential to bridge existing gaps and advance toward global elimination goals.