Viral Hepatitis in Cambodia: Past, Present, and Future

• Published in: Euroasian journal of hepato-gastroenterology Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 45 - 48
• Main Authors: Sreng, Bun, Sophal, Chhith, Srun, Sok, Samnang, Chham, Huot, Eng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers 01-01-2016
• Subjects: Mini Review; People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs); Viral hepatitis; Infection prevention and control; Hep B vaccine
• ISSN: 2231-5047; 2231-5128
• DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1165

The prevalence of viral hepatitis represents Cambodia as 1 of the highest endemic countries in the world. But the prevalence of viral hepatitis B among 5-year-olds is on a decreasing trend due to the effect of nationwide vaccination against hepatitis B. There are key interventions to address viral hepatitis by the Cambodian Ministry of Health. There are so far no comprehensive national guidelines for the prevention, care, and treatment of viral hepatitis. In 2014, the coverage of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and HepB3 vaccine was very high, at 87 and 97% respectively. Other interventions include the screening of viral hepatitis B and C among blood donors; the enhancement of infection prevention and control at health facilities; the program for People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) and People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs); control and prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); and improved sanitation, clean water, and food safety. The diagnosis of viral hepatitis B and C could be made only at the national and provincial referral hospitals and there are no specific antiviral therapies for people who are infected with hepatitis B and C.
Sreng B, Sophal C, Srun S, Samnang C, Huot E. Viral Hepatitis in Cambodia: Past, Present, and Future. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):45-48.