PROBLEMS OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B AND C IN CHILDREN AT THE PRESENT STAGE: SOLUTIONS AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2727.2025.3.15590Keywords:
chronic hepatitis B and C, children, liver cirrhosis, diagnostic approaches, managementAbstract
SUMMARY. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) in children remain a pressing medical and social issue. The prolonged asymptomatic course complicates early diagnosis and contributes to the formation of a hidden reservoir of infection. Infection in childhood is particularly dangerous, as the risk of chronicity reaches 80–90 % in HBV-infection and increases substantially in cases of perinatal HCV transmission, especially in the presence of HIV co-infection. Despite global efforts, approximately 1,2 million of new HBV- and 1,0 million of new HCV-infected are registered worldwide each year, with about 12 % of cases occurring in children. This article highlights the key challenges in combating CVHB and CVHC, both globally and in Ukraine, namely: insufficient screening coverage of pregnant women and newborns, unequal access to the «birth-dose» of HBV vaccination and immunoglobulin, absence of an HCV vaccine, and lack of an integrated national registry of children with CHB and CHC. Addressing these issues requires a multi-level approach: at the national level – the creation of unified registries and expanded access to modern antiviral therapy; at the local level – the establishment of follow-up clinics, implementation of telemedicine, psychological support, and educational programs etc. The implementation of these strategies will contribute to reducing the incidence of CHB and CHC and improving the quality of life of affected children.
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