EU-Funded Projects Reducing the Burden of Viral Hepatitis

Infections from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) impact liver cells, leading to inflammation. Acute HBV and HCV infections may progress to chronic hepatitis, potentially resulting in cirrhosis or liver cancer.

These infections disproportionately impact socially marginalized populations, as transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact or sharing of injection drug equipment. In some countries, infections also occur in medical settings.

Here are some EU4Health projects aimed at reducing the burden of viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV), HIV, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

JA SHIELD aims to decrease mortality from cancers linked to infections and vaccine-preventable cancers, like liver cancer caused by viral hepatitis.

The Joint Action involves:

• Mapping preventive measures in EU and associated countries;
• Identifying barriers to implementation, focusing on stigma and discrimination.

MOBHOPE is enhancing mobile health services for people at high risk of communicable diseases, particularly viral hepatitis and liver health, boosting primary and secondary prevention.

The project includes:

• Operating mobile units in urban areas, shelters, prisons, and migrant communities, offering on-site testing, counseling, and direct links to specialized care;
• Creating training materials for staff and communication tools for target communities;
• Developing digital data collection systems and harmonized indicators for real-time monitoring, cross-country comparison, and future scaling of the model to generate evidence-based protocols for mobile clinics across the EU.

HEP-HOP seeks to improve, expand, and assess community-based viral hepatitis screening, HBV vaccination services, and care linkage.

The project addresses:

• Tackling vaccine misinformation and hesitancy among at-risk migrant and refugee populations in Belgium, Latvia, and Spain;
• Training community health workers and teachers to deliver culturally and linguistically adapted outreach programs for decentralized viral hepatitis screening and vaccination opportunities.

PACE aims to reduce the cancer burden related to HPV and viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV) in adults and youth in European prisons by:

• Identifying and implementing best practices;
• Providing scalable models for prison systems featured in a practical replicability framework (“Prison Implementation Compass”);
• Creating a multi-country network of prison sentinels for high-quality data collection and monitoring;
• Developing capacity-building activities to empower health professionals, prison staff, and stakeholders to sustain and expand these interventions.

Background

EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programs. It extends beyond an ambitious response to the COVID-19 crisis to address the resilience of European healthcare systems. It funds national authorities, health organizations, and other entities through grants and public procurement, contributing to a healthier Europe.

HaDEA manages most of the total EU4Health