The implications of new treatments for people living with HIV and hepatitis B
Hepatitis B and HIV can often be treated by the same medicines, but the introduction of new treatments may transform how people living with both conditions receive treatment.
To support advocates, the World Hepatitis Alliance and Y+ Global have compiled the key information about the impact of new innovations to ensure that everyone living with HIV and/or hepatitis B can make informed decisions about their health.
WHA and Y+ Global also encourage advocates to amplify these key messages to ensure that all people living with HIV and/or hepatitis B have access to appropriate treatment options:
- Everyone living with HIV should be tested for hepatitis B.
- No one should be switched away from a regimen that treats both hepatitis B and HIV without assessment, counselling, and access to alternative hepatitis B treatment and care if needed.
- People living with HIV who test negative for hepatitis B, and are not already vaccinated, should be offered hepatitis B vaccination.
- Increased awareness and education are needed around HIV and hepatitis B to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for both diseases and address stigma and discrimination.
- Further research and innovation are needed to develop long-acting treatments that address both hepatitis B as well as HIV.