Viral hepatitis elimination in Mongolia

Mongolia has the highest rate of liver cancer, largely attributed to chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections globally. Responding to this viral hepatitis epidemic, the Government of Mongolia has taken decisive national action to alleviate its burden. A comprehensive approach, including initiatives such as the Healthy Liver Program, has been implemented. By 2017, Mongolia achieved the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of reducing the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among 5-year-old children to less than 1%. Among adults, HBsAg prevalence decreased from 6.9% in 2015 to 5.7% in 2022. The introduction of vaccination programs for hepatitis B in 1991 and hepatitis A in 2012 significantly contributed to the reduction of infections. High national coverage rates of the hepatitis B birth dose (98%) and hepatitis A vaccine (over 95%) have been achieved. Furthermore, the incidence of acute jaundice cases due to hepatitis A sharply declined from 0.3 to 0.04 cases per 10,000 population between 2015 and 2022. The prevalence of HCV dropped from 6.7% in 2015 to 3.9% in 2022. By the end of 2022, over 105,886 cases were diagnosed, with more than 60% of HCV patients (64,836) received the treatment. The incidence of newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) also decreased from 857 in 2015 to 567 in 2022. The Government Action Plan (2020-24) aims to continue screening and identifying at least 50% of hepatitis cases, including those caused by hepatitis D virus. Looking ahead, with accelerated screening and treatment strategies, Mongolia aims to reduce the total prevalence of viral hepatitis by 90% and liver-related deaths by 85% over the next decade, potentially saving thousands of lives. Mongolia is among the first 12 countries progressing toward meeting the WHO’s goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030.