Global Strategies and Actions to Eliminate HBV infection

Through the implementation of hepatitis B vaccination and effective antiviral treatment over the past four decades, the HBsAg seroprevalence of the vaccinated generation dramatically decline. The incidence of HBV-related HCC also decreases. However, the elimination of HBV is still a challenge to achieve. Novel HBV biomarkers, including quantitative HBsAg, HBcrAg and HBV RNA are promising in predicting clinical phases, risks of disease progression and HBV functional cure. Current antiviral therapies, nucleoside/nucleotide (NA) and pegylated alpha-interferon, effectively decrease HCC incidence in CHB patients and minimize the recurrence of HCC in patients receiving curative therapy. Novel agents under development to achieve HBV cure include direct-acting antivirals that target various stages of the HBV lifecycle and host targeting agents that enhance HBV-specific immunity. The action plans for eliminating hepatitis B in the future are universal HBV screening, early and simplified treatment as well as precision lifelong management for CHB patients. This narrative review will summarize and discuss global strategies and initiatives aimed at eliminating HBV infection.