— Christine M. Kukka, Project Manager, HBV Advocate
Deaths from viral hepatitis far exceed deaths from
HIV/AIDS across Europe, according to results from the recent “The
Global Burden of Disease Study 2010” that were presented at the
International Liver Congress.
The study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and
coordinated by the University of Washington, found that there were 10
times more deaths from hepatitis B and C than from HIV. The study
estimates 57,000 deaths from hepatitis C and 31,000 deaths from
hepatitis B in 2010, compared to 8,000 deaths from HIV/AIDS.
While HIV/AIDS remains a key global health priority, the higher
death rates from viral hepatitis means that hepatitis B and C, "must
clearly now be counted among the top global and local priorities for
health," officials said.
They called for additional resources to prevent, detect and treat
hepatitis B and C in order to address the funding and resource
shortages for these major preventable diseases.
Globally, deaths from viral hepatitis and HIV increased from
1990-2010 with HIV/AIDS ranking 6th (causing 1.47 million deaths
worldwide over the study period) and viral hepatitis B and C combined
ranking 9th, causing 1.29 million deaths.
Source: http://virtualpressoffice.easl.eu/viral-hepatitis-more-deadly-than-hiv-in-europe/
HBV Journal Review
May 1, 2014, Vol 11, no 5
http://www.hbvadvocate.org/news/HBJ11.5.htm
Labels: epidemiology, Europe, mortality
