[Significant increase in newly diagnosed hepatitis B and C cases in Germany due to screening].

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided on an initiative to identify 90% of the world's existing hepatitis B and C virus infections by 2030, treat 80% and reduce the mortality by 65%. In 2016, the federal government endorsed these goals. From Oct 1, 2021, the G-BA included a one-time screening for hepatitis B and C in the health examination (GU) for people aged 35 and over who have statutory health insurance. The previous participation rates in the GU were evaluated and the effectiveness of the program is documented using the reporting data on hepatitis B and C of Robert Koch Institute (RKI).Notifications from Central Institute of Statutory Health Insurance (ZI) and Scientific Institute of the local health insurance companies (WIdO) were compiled with regard to the GU, the reporting data from the RKI were collected and analyzed using SURVSTAT@RKI 2.0 as well as billing data from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV).Between 2007 and 2021, around 83% of all insured persons took part in a GU at least once. From the fourth quarter of 2021, the number of newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis B and C increased. In 2022, the increase for hepatitis B was 91.9% and for hepatitis C 68%. This trend continued in 2023, with new diagnoses of hepatitis B increasing by 160% (to 22,795 cases) and hepatitis C increasing by 121% (to 10,508 cases) compared to 2021. The analysis of the KBV billing data showed that the increase in new diagnoses shows a strong correlation between the number of new diagnoses within the GU and the total number of diagnoses.The decision of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) to include hepatitis B and C screening in the GU seems to be a success in detecting previously undetected cases of the disease. Based on the billing data from the KBV, a high level of agreement could be demonstrated between the number of new diagnoses within the GU and the increase in the total number of diagnoses. The goals of the WHO may be achievable.