Evidence shows that long term infections with hepatitis B or C viruses can result in cancer of the liver. However, viral hepatitis related morbidities and mortalities are avoidable because we have prevention tools (such as vaccine to protect from Hepatitis B virus), as well as good tests and drugs that can treat Hepatitis B and C, and cure Hepatitis C. For eliminating mother to child transmission of Hepatitis B, it is essential to ensure that all pregnant women are tested for the virus and treated where necessary. Also, every new-born must receive the Hepatitis B birth dose.
APCAT Co-Chair Dr Bima Arya Sugiarto, who is also the Mayor of Bogor City, Indonesia, reasserted: "The Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development is committed to accelerating progress towards ending tobacco use, as well as preventing the avoidable burden of NCDs, and viral hepatitis and improving synergy between health and development programmes and promoting integrated responses where possible, thereby averting untimely deaths."
Almost eight-fold increase in united local leadership on tobacco control, NCDs and viral hepatitis
Since its establishment in 2016, APCAT has expanded the network of local leaders manifold (from 12 cities in 2016 to 79 cities by 2021 across the Asia Pacific region), to consolidate local political will and action on health and development.
APCAT has recognized the critical role of Mayors to implement WHO best-buys for prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the city level. It is noteworthy to mention that the 6th APCAT Summit of Mayors in 2021 had adopted a call to action, several recommendations of which are essential for prevention of cancer. APCAT is working to:
- sustain effective implementation of tobacco control programmes
- work with national government and policy makers to raise taxes and prices on unhealthy commodities
- leverage every possibility of partnership and integrated health and development responses so as to advance progress on scaling up vaccine-preventable illnesses such as Hepatitis B.
Local responses are pivotal in closing the cancer care gap
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