A Convenient Truth: Cost of Medications Need Not Be a Barrier to Hepatitis B Treatment

Glob Health Sci Pract. 2016 Jun 27;4(2):186-90. doi: 10.9745/GHSP-D-16-00128. Print 2016 Jun 20.

Abstract

Drugs that are inexpensive to manufacture and simple to administer greatly expand the potential to help tens of millions of people who need treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Key program implementation challenges include identifying who would benefit from antiviral medication and ensuring long-term and consistent treatment to people who feel well. The best opportunities are where health systems are advanced enough to effectively address these challenges and in settings where HIV service platforms can be leveraged. Research, innovation, and collaboration are critical to implement services most efficiently and to realize economies of scale to drive down costs of health care services, drugs, and diagnostics.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / economics*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Drug Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / economics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents