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Kalo E, Baig A, Read S, Ahlenstiel G. Time to broaden the screening strategy for chronic hepatitis B virus infection beyond the emergency department. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101040. [PMID: 38515552 PMCID: PMC10956043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Kalo
- Blacktown Clinical School and Research Centre, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
- Blacktown Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
| | - Asma Baig
- Blacktown Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
| | - Scott Read
- Blacktown Clinical School and Research Centre, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
- Blacktown Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Golo Ahlenstiel
- Blacktown Clinical School and Research Centre, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
- Blacktown Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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2
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Shah KK, Wyld M, Hedley JA, Waller KMJ, De La Mata N, Webster AC, Morton RL. Cost-effectiveness of Kidney Transplantation From Donors at Increased Risk of Blood-borne Virus Infection Transmission. Transplantation 2023; 107:2028-2042. [PMID: 37211651 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demand for donor kidneys outstrips supply. Using kidneys from selected donors with an increased risk of blood-borne virus (BBV) transmission (hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus [HCV], human immunodeficiency virus) may expand the donor pool, but cost-effectiveness of this strategy is uncertain. METHODS A Markov model was developed using real-world evidence to compare healthcare costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of accepting kidneys from deceased donors with potential increased risk of BBV transmission, because of increased risk behaviors and/or history of HCV, versus declining these kidneys. Model simulations were run over a 20-y time horizon. Parameter uncertainty was assessed through deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Accepting kidneys from donors at increased risk of BBVs (2% from donors with increased-risk behaviors and 5% from donors with active or past HCV infection) incurred total costs of 311 303 Australian dollars with a gain of 8.53 QALYs. Foregoing kidneys from these donors incurred total costs of $330 517 and a gain of 8.44 QALYs. A cost-saving of $19 214 and additional 0.09 QALYs (~33 d in full health) per person would be generated compared with declining these donors. Increasing the availability of kidneys with increased risk by 15% led to further cost-savings of $57 425 and additional 0.23 QALY gains (~84 d in full health). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis using 10 000 iterations showed accepting kidneys from donors at increased risk led to lower costs and higher QALY gains. CONCLUSIONS Shifting clinical practice to accept increased BBV risk donors would likely produce lower costs and higher QALYs for health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan K Shah
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Wyld
- Collaborative Centre for Organ Donation Evidence, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James A Hedley
- Collaborative Centre for Organ Donation Evidence, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen M J Waller
- Collaborative Centre for Organ Donation Evidence, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole De La Mata
- Collaborative Centre for Organ Donation Evidence, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Angela C Webster
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Collaborative Centre for Organ Donation Evidence, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Nguyen ALT, Si L, Lubel JS, Shackel N, Yee KC, Wilson M, Bradshaw J, Hardy K, Palmer AJ, Blizzard CL, de Graaff B. Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance based on the Australian Consensus Guidelines: a health economic modelling study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:378. [PMID: 37076870 PMCID: PMC10116722 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest increasing cause of cancer death in Australia. A recent Australian consensus guidelines recommended HCC surveillance for cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients at gender and age specific cut-offs. A cost-effectiveness model was then developed to assess surveillance strategies in Australia. METHODS A microsimulation model was used to evaluate three strategies: biannual ultrasound, biannual ultrasound with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and no formal surveillance for patients having one of the conditions: non-cirrhotic CHB, compensated cirrhosis or decompensated cirrhosis. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses as well as scenario and threshold analyses were conducted to account for uncertainties: including exclusive surveillance of CHB, compensated cirrhosis or decompensated cirrhosis populations; impact of obesity on ultrasound sensitivity; real-world adherence rate; and different cohort's ranges of ages. RESULTS Sixty HCC surveillance scenarios were considered for the baseline population. The ultrasound + AFP strategy was the most cost-effective with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) compared to no surveillance falling below the willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) at all age ranges. Ultrasound alone was also cost-effective, but the strategy was dominated by ultrasound + AFP. Surveillance was cost-effective in the compensated and decompensated cirrhosis populations alone (ICERs < $30,000), but not cost-effective in the CHB population (ICERs > $100,000). Obesity could decrease the diagnostic performance of ultrasound, which in turn, reduce the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound ± AFP, but the strategies remained cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS HCC surveillance based on Australian recommendations using biannual ultrasound ± AFP was cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Le Tuan Nguyen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Lei Si
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - John S Lubel
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Kwang Chien Yee
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Mark Wilson
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | - Kerry Hardy
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Andrew John Palmer
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Christopher Leigh Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Barbara de Graaff
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
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4
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Tran L, Cowie BC. Universal testing for hepatitis B must be accompanied by better linkage with care. Med J Aust 2023; 218:165-166. [PMID: 36739107 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lien Tran
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC.,The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Benjamin C Cowie
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC.,The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
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5
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Xiao Y, Hellard ME, Thompson AJ, Seaman C, Howell J, Scott N. The cost-effectiveness of universal hepatitis B screening for reaching WHO diagnosis targets in Australia by 2030. Med J Aust 2023; 218:168-173. [PMID: 36596568 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact on diagnosis targets, cost, and cost-effectiveness of universal hepatitis B screening in Australia. DESIGN Markov model simulation of disease and care cascade progression for people with chronic hepatitis B in Australia. SETTING Three scenarios were compared: 1. no change to current hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing practice; 2. universal screening strategy, with the aim of achieving the WHO diagnosis target by 2030 (90% of people with chronic hepatitis B diagnosed), based on opportunistic (general practitioner-initiated) screening for HBsAg; 3. universal screening strategy, and also ensuring that 50% of people with chronic hepatitis B are receiving appropriate clinical management by 2030. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Projected care cascade for people with chronic hepatitis B, cumulative number of HBV-related deaths, intervention costs, and health utility (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs] gained during 2020-2030). An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) threshold (v scenario 1) of $50 000 per QALY gained was applied. RESULTS Compared with scenario 1, 80 HBV-related deaths (interquartile range [IQR], 41-127 deaths) were averted during 2020-2030 in scenario 2, 315 HBV-related deaths (IQR, 211-454 deaths) in scenario 3. Scenario 2 cost $84 million (IQR, $41-106 million) more than scenario 1 during 2020-2030 (+8%), yielding an ICER of $104 921 (IQR, $49 587-107 952) per QALY gained. Scenario 3 cost $263 million (IQR, $214-316 million) more than scenario 1 during 2020-2030 (+24%), yielding an ICER of $47 341 (IQR, $32 643-58 200) per QALY gained. Scenario 3 remained cost-effective if the test positivity rate was higher than 0.35% or the additional costs per person tested did not exceed $4.02. CONCLUSIONS Universal screening for hepatitis B will be cost-effective only if the cost of testing is kept low and people receive appropriate clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.,The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Jess Howell
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Nick Scott
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
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6
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Martyn E, Eisen S, Longley N, Harris P, Surey J, Norman J, Brown M, Sultan B, Maponga TG, Iwuji C, Flanagan S, Ghosh I, Story A, Matthews PC. The forgotten people: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a priority for the inclusion health agenda. eLife 2023; 12:e81070. [PMID: 36757862 PMCID: PMC9910830 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant global health threat, accounting for 300 million chronic infections and up to 1 million deaths each year. HBV disproportionately affects people who are under-served by health systems due to social exclusion, and can further amplify inequities through its impact on physical and mental health, relationship with stigma and discrimination, and economic costs. The 'inclusion health' agenda focuses on excluded and vulnerable populations, who often experience barriers to accessing healthcare, and are under-represented by research, resources, interventions, advocacy, and policy. In this article, we assimilate evidence to establish HBV on the inclusion health agenda, and consider how this view can inform provision of better approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. We suggest approaches to redress the unmet need for HBV interventions among excluded populations as an imperative to progress the global goal for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Martyn
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah Eisen
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicky Longley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Philippa Harris
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Julian Surey
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Global Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de CantoblancoMadridSpain
| | - James Norman
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael Brown
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Binta Sultan
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tongai G Maponga
- Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesTygerbergSouth Africa
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of SussexBrightonUnited Kingdom
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurban, KwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa
| | - Stuart Flanagan
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Indrajit Ghosh
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alistair Story
- Find & Treat Service, Division of Infection, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Philippa C Matthews
- The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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7
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Trends in decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma among people with a hepatitis B notification in New South Wales. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100552. [PMID: 36119722 PMCID: PMC9478454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Population-level trends and factors associated with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis (DC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related mortality are crucial to evaluate the impacts of therapeutic interventions. Methods Trends in HBV-DC and -HCC diagnoses and liver-related mortality in New South Wales, Australia, were determined through linkage of HBV notifications (1993-2017) to hospital admissions (2001-2018), mortality (1993-2018), and cancer registry (1994-2014) databases. Late HBV notification was defined as notification at or within 2 years of a DC or HCC diagnosis. Cox proportional-hazards regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associated factors. Results Among 60,660 people with a HBV notification, 1,276 (2.0%) DC and 1,087 (1.8%) HCC diagnoses, and 1,219 (2.0%) liver-related deaths were documented. Since the early 2000s, the number of DC and HCC diagnoses increased; however, age-standardised incidence decreased from 2.64 and 1.95 in 2003 to 1.14 and 1.09 per 1,000 person-years in 2017, respectively. Similarly, age-standardised liver mortality decreased from 2.60 in 2003 to 1.14 per 1,000 person-years in 2017. Among people with DC and HCC diagnoses, late HBV notification declined from 41% and 40% between 2001-2009 to 29% and 25% in 2010-2018, respectively. Predictors of DC diagnosis included older age (birth <1944, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.06, 95% CI 1.57–2.69), alcohol use disorder (aHR 4.82, 95% CI 3.96–5.87) and HCV co-infection (aHR 1.88, 95% CI 1.53–2.31). Predictors of HCC diagnosis included older age (birth <1944, aHR 3.94, 95% CI 2.91–5.32) and male sex (aHR 3.79, 95% CI 3.05–4.71). Conclusion In an era of improved antiviral therapies, the risk of HBV-related liver morbidity and mortality has declined. HCV co-infection and alcohol use disorder are key modifiable risk factors associated with the burden of HBV. Lay summary Rising hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality is a major public health concern. However, the development of highly effective medicines against hepatitis B virus (HBV) has brought renewed optimism for its elimination by 2030. This study shows a steady decline in HBV-related liver morbidity and mortality in New South Wales, Australia. Moreover, late hepatitis notification has also declined, allowing individuals with HBV to have access to timely antiviral treatment. Despite this, hepatitis C co-infection and alcohol use disorder are key modifiable risk factors associated with HBV disease burden. To attain the desired benefits from highly effective antiviral treatment, managing comorbidities, including hepatitis C and high alcohol use, must improve among individuals with hepatitis B. The World Health Organization has set a 65% HBV mortality reduction target by 2030. Since the early 2000s, diagnoses of decompensated cirrhosis and HCC increased, but age-standardised incidence rates decreased. Age-standardised liver mortality rates decreased from 2.64 in 2003 to 0.97 per 1,000 person-years in 2017. Late HBV notification declined from 41% and 40% during 2001-2009 to 28% and 26% in 2010-2018, respectively. Hepatitis C co-infection and alcohol-use disorder are key modifiable risk factors associated with HBV disease burden.
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8
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Allard NL, MacLachlan JH, Tran L, Yussf N, Cowie BC. Time for universal hepatitis B screening for Australian adults. Med J Aust 2021; 215:103-105.e1. [PMID: 34120343 PMCID: PMC9290936 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Allard
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Jennifer H MacLachlan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Lien Tran
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Nafisa Yussf
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Benjamin C Cowie
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
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9
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Howell J, Pedrana A, Schroeder SE, Scott N, Aufegger L, Atun R, Baptista-Leite R, Hirnschall G, ‘t Hoen E, Hutchinson SJ, Lazarus JV, Olufunmilayo L, Peck R, Sharma M, Sohn AH, Thompson A, Thursz M, Wilson D, Hellard M. A global investment framework for the elimination of hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2021; 74:535-549. [PMID: 32971137 PMCID: PMC7505744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS More than 292 million people are living with hepatitis B worldwide and are at risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set global targets for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. However, current levels of global investment in viral hepatitis elimination programmes are insufficient to achieve these goals. METHODS To catalyse political commitment and to encourage domestic and international financing, we used published modelling data and key stakeholder interviews to develop an investment framework to demonstrate the return on investment for viral hepatitis elimination. RESULTS The framework utilises a public health approach to identify evidence-based national activities that reduce viral hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality, as well as international activities and critical enablers that allow countries to achieve maximum impact on health outcomes from their investments - in the context of the WHO's 2030 viral elimination targets. CONCLUSION Focusing on hepatitis B, this health policy paper employs the investment framework to estimate the substantial economic benefits of investing in the elimination of hepatitis B and demonstrates how such investments could be cost saving by 2030. LAY SUMMARY Hepatitis B infection is a major cause of death from liver disease and liver cancer globally. To reduce deaths from hepatitis B infection, we need more people to be tested and treated for hepatitis B. In this paper, we outline a framework of activities to reduce hepatitis B-related deaths and discuss ways in which governments could pay for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination Programme, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Programme, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sophia E. Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Programme, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Programme, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo Baptista-Leite
- Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal,Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gottfried Hirnschall
- Strategic Information, Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization,Formerly Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization
| | - Ellen ‘t Hoen
- Global Health Unit, University Medical Centre, Groningen, the Netherlands,Medicines Law & Policy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sharon J. Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK,Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan St, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jeffrey V. Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lesi Olufunmilayo
- Department of Medicine, Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Manik Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Annette H. Sohn
- TREAT Asia/amfAR, Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Thursz
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Wilson
- Disease Elimination Programme, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Programme, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Australia
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