ISS announces a national plan against hepatitis and HIV

The Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Health (ISS), regional governments, and patient associations are working on a new national plan against hepatitis, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The new National Action Plan will propose a series of measures to improve screening efficiency and facilitate access to treatment. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on July 28th, an opportunity to spread the World Health Organization's message: "Act now to end hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030."

WHO estimates are explicit: in 2022, 304 million people worldwide will be infected with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), and 1.3 million will die from chronic hepatitis. Although infections with hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses are more widespread in countries with poor sanitation standards, they also occur in European countries, including Italy, with both sporadic cases and epidemic outbreaks.

"The message for citizens," explains the National Institute of Health, "is to stay informed, get vaccinated, and get tested—simple actions that can save lives. For healthcare workers on the front lines, it's important to remember that their work is crucial to promoting diagnosis, simplifying access to care, and breaking down stigma."