Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis 2016-2021

Introduction and context

Viral hepatitis is an international public health challenge, comparable to other major communicable diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. Despite the significant burden it places on communities across all global regions, hepatitis has been largely ignored as a health and development priority until recently. It will no longer remain hidden, however, with the adoption of the resolution on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.1 Target 3 is of particular relevance: it calls for specific action to combat viral hepatitis.