Scaling-up hepatitis B testing and treatment and adapting response during COVID-19: Experience of the demonstration pilot in Central Luzon Region, Philippines

Arbis E, Dominguez M, Chua J, Yadav R, Manlutac J, Chan P

This study aimed to describe the experience of scaling up hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing and treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Luzon, Philippines. In 2019, service delivery networks (SDN) were established across all health system levels, linking tertiary and secondary care to primary units. Routine screening began at primary healthcare facilities, increasing HBV case detection. Community outreach improved public screening. However, the pandemic severely disrupted services, leading to the implementation of telephone hotlines and courier services for chronic treatment support. A pilot project review from August 2019 to September 2020 revealed that over 50,000 individuals were screened, with over a thousand testing positive for HBV. Thirteen percent of positive cases were eligible and enrolled for treatment. The pilot demonstrated successful scaling of HBV testing and treatment and the ability to adapt service delivery during the pandemic.

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