Although SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused multiple changes in the management of several existing diseases, WHO has not modified their elimination targets for viral hepatitis. It was observed that prepandemic, most countries were substantially off track to accomplish their 2030 goals, which has only been exponentially augmented by COVID-19. In addition, pandemic has also taken cancer screening and preventive strategies such as vaccination two steps backward, which took the medical services in a revised timeline.

It was difficult to believe that multiple vaccines approved by FDA using multiple technologies could be developed and produced in record time. Moreover, accomplishment of implementing policies that would be developed supporting virtual visits as a form of health care for most insured patient populations appeared to be most challenging; however, it was achieved in a short duration. These rapid changes were achieved in resource rich settings, and that is both fair and accurate. Thus, it will be wise to consider the COVID-19 pandemic an opportunity to push efficiency and innovation in other areas of health care.

An approach of complementing screening for viral hepatitis with COVID screening can be done as it can become an opportunity for every individual who is seeking screening for COVID-19 to undergo screening for other underlying health issues. The same sitting can be used to screen for viral hepatitis, HIV, diabetes and hypertension, particularly if results could be communicated at that visit. Moreover, technology for obtaining samples remotely without venepuncture is available. Some investigators have proposed point of care screening and use of dried blood spot to increase access even prior to COVID-19.

Thus, it can be established that COVID-19 pandemic has hindered in the care cascade of viral hepatitis. It is almost certain that effect of COVID-19 on preventive measures such as vaccination and liver cancer surveillance will persist for a longer period. However, these inhibitions should rather motivate innovation so as to achieve the goal of elimination of viral hepatitis.

Source: COVID-19: Innovating health care to work toward hepatitis elimination. Available at: https://www.healio.com/news/gastroenterology/20210518/covid19-innovating-health-care-to-work-toward-hepatitis-elimination