Viral hepatitis B as a public health problem (Resolution)

WPR/RC35.Rl4 VIRAL HEPATITIS B AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM The Regional Committee, Having considered the report of the Regional Director on h~patitis as a public health problem;l Concerned at the high prevalence of viral hepatitis B in many countries of the Region and the e£fects of its lorig-term sequelae; Recognizing that technology for the production of a vaccine effective in preventing the transmission of hepatitis B virus exists in some countries of the Region, as well as sensitive and rapid methods of diagnosis usable at all levels; Considering that the cost of both vaccine and reagents could be substantially reduced through the further development of production within the Region; Considering also the need to intensify research for the development of new vaccines and diagnostic reagents; 1. URGES Member States: ( 1) to formulate programmes for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis B and to init·iate these progratntDes in a phased manner; (2) to strengthen laboratory capability to ensure that aero-epidemiological s~~veys of the population are effectively carried out, particular attention being given to such groups as blood donors, pregnant women and persons at high risk of infection; 2. REQUESTS the Regional Director: (1) to stimulate the further development, production and monitoring of safe, effective and low-cost hepatitis B vaccine derived from human plasma and o£ diagnostic reagents; (2) to develop a vaccination scheme, covering the most vulnerable groups such as newborns and using the most appropriate dosage; (3) to encourage research on the development of a vaccine using modern biotechnology~ in particular technolo~y, with a view to its eventual production; new hepatitis B recombinant DNA (4) to continue to strengthen cooperation with Member States in the exchange of information an~ training of scientists; (5) to foster cooperation between countries in the transfer of technology for the production of vaccines and diagnostic reagents; (6) to continue in his endeavours to mobilize extrabudgetary resources and to increase the allocation of such resources to the progratmne for prevention and control of viral hepatitis B. Eighth meeting~ 11 September 1984 lnocument WPR/RC35/ll.