At Roche, we believe that everyone deserves to get tested for hepatitis. We recognise that accessible, reliable diagnostics are key to delivering on the WHO’s target of eliminating the virus by 2030.
Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It causes a range of health problems and can be fatal.1 Although some forms of hepatitis can be caused by factors like autoimmune diseases, obesity and alcohol, most cases are caused by one of five different hepatitis viruses: types A, B, C, D and E.
All hepatitis viruses can cause acute infection and inflammation of the liver, but infection with hepatitis B, C, D and E can also result in chronic hepatitis. This can lead to cirrhosis and subsequently liver cancer.6
People with a history of drug and needle use, high risk sexual behaviors and prisoners are often at higher risk for hepatitis. It can also be spread from infected pregnant women to their babies. However, many are reluctant to get screened for fear of being labeled as someone “who deserves it”. In many low and middle income countries (LMIC’s) testing and treatment remain beyond reach for most people.
The campaign Everyone deserves to get tested, aims to destigmatise these groups among the general public, and encourage people not to let silence come in the way of getting screened. No matter who you are, or how you got it, everyone deserves to get tested for hepatitis.
Testing and treatment for hepatitis remain beyond reach for most patients. With 80% of hepatitis C infections and 90% of hepatitis B infections going undiagnosed globally,3,4 the vast majority of patients never receive a diagnosis.
Societal attitudes and taboos not only discourage individuals from seeking testing, but also perpetuates a harmful culture of silence surrounding the disease. We believe that silence shouldn’t prevent people from getting screened for hepatitis.
Diagnostics are critical both to our ability to manage viral hepatitis, and to efforts to eliminate it. An accurate diagnosis can allow patients to access appropriate and potentially curative treatments, reducing the likelihood that they will go on to develop chronic disease, and minimising the risk of serious complications like cancer.5 It also enables patients to take appropriate steps to prevent onward transmission of the virus, reducing overall infections.
References:
WHO, Hepatitis,
WHO, Global hepatitis report 2024,
WHO, World Hepatitis Day 2024,
Cooke GS, et al. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019;4:135–184
WHO, Hepatitis C,
WHO , World Hepatitis Day,
This website contains information on products which is targeted to a wide range of audiences and could contain product details or information otherwise not accessible or valid in your country. Please be aware that we do not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin.