National Strategy for Viral Hepatitis B and C (NSVH), 2023-2030

The National Strategy for Viral Hepatitis B and C 2023-2030 (NSVH) focuses on strengthening existing preventive services for viral hepatitis B and C and further expand the coverage of diagnostics and treatment services to the communities.

Vision

Transmission of Hepatitis B and C transmission is halted and everyone has access to safe, affordable, and effective prevention, care and treatment services.

Goal

Eliminate viral Hepatitis B and C as a major public health threat by 2030.

Targets

The national strategic plan is expected to achieve the following impact targets for Nepal by 2030:

• 90% reduction of new cases of chronic viral Hepatitis B and C by 2030.
• 65% reduction of viral Hepatitis B and C deaths by 2030.

Strategic action

Hepatitis B vaccination program

• Ensure all new-borns receives a birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible following birth.
• Ensure universal coverage of the Hep B vaccine for children.
• Ensure Hepatitis B immunization of all healthcare workers
• Ensure Hepatitis B vaccination for priority populations

Prevention of mother to child transmission of viral hepatitis

• Ensure all pregnant mothers receive Hepatitis B service as part of PMTCT/ ANC service package.

Harm Reduction Program

• Improved health services to prevent viral hepatitis transmission among PWIDs and PLHIV
• Increased awareness regarding Viral Hepatitis among the key populations

Blood Safety

Ensure availability of safe blood products.

Strengthen Infection Control Practices

• Strengthen government commitment and policies that ensure infection control practices
• Strengthen infection control at all levels of health care.

Diagnosis and treatment

• Strengthen diagnostic services for viral hepatitis
• Strengthen case management for viral Hepatitis
• Establishing private public partnership and community-based models of service delivery

SURVEILLANCE, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Strengthening M&E and surveillance systems for viral hepatitis.
• Strengthening the capacity of laboratories for surveillance activities

GOVERNENCE AND IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE

• Steering Committee
• Technical Working Group
• Hepatitis Unit (NCASC)

Community engagement to improve diagnostic and treatment services on Hepatitis

Priority population for Viral Hepatitis B and C infection

• People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
• Person who inject intravenous drugs (PWID)
• Sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender and migrants
• Prisoners and previously incarcerated persons
• Health-care workers
• Patients on haemodialysis
• Patient with chronic liver disease
• Recipients of blood transfusion prior to the introduction of HCV screening of blood and blood products
• Patient with conditions requiring multiple blood transfusion
• Persons who have received surgical or dental interventions or received tattoo/piercing in unsterile setting
• Pregnant women.