As the former Minister of Health & Population of Egypt, I had the privilege of leading one of the most successful public health campaigns in the world, which resulted in the elimination of Hepatitis C in Egypt. Our journey was monumental – we screened over 60 million citizens and treated millions, dramatically reducing the burden of this devastating disease. That experience, both in terms of the challenges we faced and the victory we achieved, has shaped my vision for the global fight against viral hepatitis.
Today, as the Regional Director for ACCESS Health International MENA, I bring that same resolve to the global stage through the Stop Hepatitis Alliance. Launched in collaboration with our partners, this initiative is dedicated to ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, in line with the World Health Organization’s targets.
Why We Launched the Stop Hepatitis Alliance
Viral hepatitis is not just a regional problem – it is a global crisis. Every year, more than 1.3 million lives are lost due to this silent killer. Hepatitis B and C are particularly severe, with 354 million people living with chronic infections worldwide. The WHO African and Western Pacific regions are disproportionately affected, but the truth is, low- and middle-income countries around the world bear the heaviest burden.
The scale of this crisis demands global cooperation and action. For too long, hepatitis has flown under the radar in global health discussions. But we can no longer afford to ignore its toll. Prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care are not just strategies – they are essential pillars for survival for millions of people.
ACCESS Health International stands at the forefront of this movement. Our commitment to health equity, ensuring healthcare access for all, has driven us to launch the Stop Hepatitis Alliance, a coalition dedicated to eliminating viral hepatitis once and for all.
The Strategy: From Action to Elimination
The Stop Hepatitis Alliance is a global coalition that brings together governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the affected communities. It is a multifaceted and coordinated response to the challenge of viral hepatitis. Our strategy encompasses four critical areas:
- Prevention: Ensuring that vaccines and preventive care are available, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Diagnosis: Scaling up access to diagnostic tools to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
- Treatment: Expanding access to antiviral treatments and therapies, making sure they are affordable and accessible to all.
- Care: Providing ongoing support for those affected by hepatitis to improve quality of life and outcomes.
We have structured our work into two key phases:
- The Preparatory Phase: This phase focuses on building governance frameworks, establishing partnerships, and setting clear goals. It is the foundation upon which our entire initiative rests.
- The Action Phase: Here, we roll out our comprehensive action plan, with clear milestones, annual reviews, and continuous monitoring to ensure accountability and progress.
At the heart of our efforts is advocacy and community engagement. We need political commitment and grassroots mobilization if we are to succeed. As a global community, we must push for hepatitis to be recognized as the urgent public health threat it is. My leadership at ACCESS Health International MENA is rooted in these principles, informed by my experience leading Egypt’s national Hepatitis C program, and determined to apply the lessons we learned on a global scale.
A Call to Action
The Stop Hepatitis Alliance cannot succeed alone. We need every country, every healthcare provider, and every community to unite in this fight. We call on governments to develop and implement national hepatitis strategies. We call on global stakeholders to step up their political and financial commitments. And we call on healthcare providers and researchers to contribute their knowledge and innovations to reduce the burden of hepatitis.
By increasing advocacy efforts, mobilizing resources, and driving policy changes, I am confident we can meet our 2030 goal. Global hepatitis elimination is within our reach, but only if we act now.
What Can You Do?
To those reading this, I encourage you to get involved. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a policymaker, or a member of the global community, your voice and actions matter. Share knowledge, support innovative solutions, and help us drive the policy changes that will reduce the burden of hepatitis worldwide.
Together, we can eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable world.
Dr. Hala Zaid
Regional Director, ACCESS Health International MENA
Former Health & Population Minister of Egypt