An Overview of the Action Plans of the Islamic Republic of Iran toward Elimination of Viral Hepatitis B and C

Viral hepatitis accounts for about 1.4 million deaths in the world every year. Surveillance systems and effective interventions play important roles in the management of these diseases. This study aimed to review the programs and measures done in Iran to eliminate viral hepatitis B and C.

Using qualitative content analysis, the programs for hepatitis B and C care system in Iran were reviewed. Fifteen semi-structured expert interviews were conducted, and 31 documents were reviewed. The activities, plans and programs associated with the viral hepatitis surveillance system were extracted based on the interview results and the documents.

The activities of the hepatitis surveillance system in Iran were categorized into six categories, including the viral hepatitis surveillance system goals, target groups, current structure of hepatitis B and C surveillance system, upstream policies and documents, current programs, and infrastructures. The most prominent interventions were the following: hepatitis B vaccination in target groups, screening, hepatitis surveys, needle and syringe distribution, safe injection, safe blood transfusion, and hepatitis treatments.

This study showed that the main weakness of the hepatitis surveillance system is detecting active disease cases, which can be improved by integrating the hepatitis program into the network system and active participation of private and public sectors as well as non-governmental organizations. Vaccination campaigns and treatment of hepatitis B and C can also help in eliminating hepatitis C and controlling hepatitis B by 2030.