COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on elimination of hepatitis by 2030: Current and future prospects

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to discuss the challenges and difficulties faced by health agencies in meeting the WHO objective of eliminating hepatitis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this paper also elucidates the various solutions to these problems, so that a realistic way forward can be determined in order to deal with this chronic problem in an effective and timely manner.     Methodology: This was a theoretical paper. Findings: The present world is witnessing an unprecedented global calamity in the form of COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the contagion is so immense and wide-spread that it has practically brought the best economies and healthcare systems of the world to the verge of collapse. With the entire world focusing on the pandemic itself and its consequences, the emphasis on other major health issues has dwindled considerably. One of those essential and magnanimous tasks is the universal campaign for the elimination of hepatitis. The Global Health Sector Strategy (under the umbrella of WHO) has identified five key areas in which significant efforts are required in order to eliminate hepatitis from the world by 2030, which will be discussed in detail in this paper. Recommendations: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a targeted effort is required by health agencies and other stake holders in order to eliminate hepatitis from the world by 2030. This would include satellite (point of care) testing for chronic viral hepatitis, application of telecommunications technology for treatment and follow-up, and practically educating primary care physicians to treat non-emergent and uncomplicated cases instead of referring them to specialist clinic.