Global Hepatitis Resource Mobilization Conference Aims to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis by 2030
In a groundbreaking effort to combat viral hepatitis, the Hepatitis Fund and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) have joined forces to organize the inaugural Global Hepatitis Resource Mobilization Conference. The conference, hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will take place in Geneva on May 17, 2023. With a focus on eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, the event serves as a global call to action to mobilize resources and accelerate efforts in the fight against this deadly disease.
High-level event brings together global leaders to boost financial and political commitment towards eliminating viral hepatitis.
The conference will witness the participation of influential figures from around the world. Renowned personalities such as Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of the board of directors for the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Helen Clark, former New Zealand Prime Minister and current Hepatitis Fund Ambassador, will address the high-level event. Also present will be WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and several health ministers from countries burdened with high rates of hepatitis, including Cambodia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, and Vietnam. Global funders such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and Unitaid, as well as civil society representatives, will also attend the conference.
Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide.
Viral hepatitis currently ranks as the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of a cure for Hepatitis C and a vaccine for Hepatitis B, these viruses continue to affect over 350 million people globally, with the majority of infections concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. Tragically, hepatitis-related illnesses claim the lives of over 1.1 million individuals each year, with 3 million new infections reported annually. If left unaddressed, projections indicate that viral hepatitis deaths will surpass the combined toll of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2040. However, despite the severity of this global health threat, funding and attention directed towards combating viral hepatitis remain insufficient.
The conference’s primary objective is to raise significant funds to support countries that have already demonstrated political commitment and taken initial steps towards implementing national hepatitis elimination plans. These catalytic funds will help jumpstart implementation efforts or significantly accelerate progress towards achieving national goals. The target amount for this collective endeavor is set at a formidable US$150 million.
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