Brazil prepares viral hepatitis strategy
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Brazil is close to completing a survey of cases of viral hepatitis A, B and C in each of its state capitals, in a bid to determine prevalence rates and risk factors, with a view to updating its prevention strategies. In the case of hepatitis A, the survey will cover the 5-19-year age range; the HBV and HCV surveys will target the 10-69 age range. The survey will comprise data from a total of 31,000 people. This week saw the launch of a survey of 1,700 people in Rio de Janeiro, which together with Sao Paulo (launched recently) and Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais (due to commence soon) comprise the state capitals of the South East region and some of the country's largest conurbations. The surveys for the remaining four, including the federal district (Brasilia), are all but complete.