World Hepatitis Summit

Patients, doctors and experts from around the globe will gather in Glasgow shortly to discuss global efforts to tackle viral hepatitis.

The infection now kills more people than HIV, TB and malaria and has become the seventh biggest annual killer.

By 2030, the World Health Organisation is aiming to reduce new cases of chronic hepatitis B and C by 90%.

Research suggests the majority of cases in Fife affect people who are living in deprivation or among the homeless.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am delighted that Scotland is once again opening its doors to the world to host the first ever World Hepatitis Summit. I can think of no better location than a country which has been recognised as a world leader in our approach to tackling hepatitis C.

“The innovation of new therapies for hepatitis C is a watershed moment for viral hepatitis, and we have recognised the importance of this by increasing our national treatment targets for the disease. We must also not lose focus on the vital issue of prevention of disease. Scotland will continue to invest in prevention initiatives and this must be a central part of any national and international plan.

“There also couldn’t be a better time to launch our updated Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework. I am pleased to say that Scotland is committed to eliminating hepatitis C as a public health problem within Scotland – something that I am proud that we can realistically commit to achieving only because of the foundation work we have laid over the past ten years.”

President of the World Hepatitis Alliance Charles Gore said: “We already have almost all the tools needed to eliminate viral hepatitis. What we don’t have yet is the commitment, the know-how and the funding to use these tools. This Summit is about empowering countries to take the practical steps needed at a national level; it is about how to take a vision and make it happen.”

Director of the WHO Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, Dr. Gottfried Hirnschall said: “We have seen from the global response to HIV what can be achieved when governments, civil society, international organizations and the private sector work together to provide prevention and treatment services to those who need them. The time is now for everyone to come together and work toward eliminating viral hepatitis as a major global killer.”

Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences at GCU, Vincent McKay said: “GCU is an international University for the Common Good, working collaboratively to deliver social benefit to the communities we serve. The University is delighted to support the Scottish Government, the World Health Organization and World Hepatitis Alliance in moving towards the elimination of viral hepatitis. As a University, we pride ourselves on our multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to addressing societal challenges with strategic national and international partners.”