Low birth weight in Papua New Guinea
Low birth weight in Papua New Guinea is a killer. Help us research what is causing low birth weight in PNG so that we can stop it.
Donate now to tip the scales back in favour of babies in PNG.
Low birth weight in Papua New Guinea is a killer. Help us research what is causing low birth weight in PNG so that we can stop it.
Donate now to tip the scales back in favour of babies in PNG.
22 October, 2019
Image: Burnet Institute Deputy Director (Programs), Professor Margaret Hellard AM
The availability of new highly effective treatments has brought the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for the global elimination of hepatitis C within reach, but much more is required, according to Burnet Institute Deputy Director, Professor Margaret Hellard AM.
Writing in a Lancet Seminar on Hepatitis C, Professor Hellard and her co-authors outline the priorities and non-negotiables for elimination, including:
“Achieving WHO 2030 elimination goals is possible, but it will require political will to recognise viral hepatitis as a health priority, set national elimination targets, develop costed national viral hepatitis plans with dedicated funding, and ensure universal access to therapy,” the authors write.
In 2016, WHO adopted a global strategy to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, including a 90 percent reduction in cases of hepatitis B and C, and a 65 percent reduction in mortality.
Persistent infection with hepatitis C virus is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, resulting in 475,000 deaths in 2015.
The Lancet Seminars are clinically focused cutting-edge reviews of medical topics. They provide up to date and balanced discussion of any current controversies.
Find out more about Burnet’s life-saving hepatitis research, and how you can support our efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis.
For more information in relation to this news article, please contact:
Deputy Director (Programs); Adjunct Professor, Monash University, DEPM.