Welcome to Hep Voice!

As we close out the year, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable efforts of our global hepatitis community. This has been a year of intensified advocacy, with a renewed sense of urgency driving action. From the World Hepatitis Day theme, “It’s Time for Action” to the World Hepatitis Summit’s call to “Integrate, Accelerate, and Eliminate”, these messages resonate even more strongly as we approach the pivotal moment of reviewing progress towards the WHO 2030 elimination goals in 2025. 

Ending the year with the first-ever World Hepatitis Testing Week feels particularly significant. Testing remains a cornerstone in elimination efforts, since most people living with viral hepatitis are still undiagnosed. Without diagnosis, we cannot prevent transmission, provide treatment, and achieve elimination. Turn to page 10 to read about the incredible initiatives across the globe to ramp up testing. 

Looking ahead to 2025, we will deepen our focus on key areas, including liver cancer (see page 8), preventing mother-to-child-transmission, and addressing mental health, stigma, and discrimination (see page 20). Recognising the vital role of advocacy, we aim to further strengthen our CIP Accelerator Programme, empowering the next generation of advocates to drive change. Learn more about its impact so far on page 18.  

As we edge closer to our elimination goal, collaboration has never been more important. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we can build a future free from viral hepatitis.