The VH-COMSAVAC project, which aims to improve the prevention and attitude of viral hepatitis between migrants and refugees, celebrated on April 28 its act of official closing at the Palau Macaya in Barcelona. Coordinated by Isglobal, the project born to a worrying reality: the Migrants and refugees in Europe They are still disproportionately affected by the Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV)Been one of the groups with lower access to screening, vaccines and treatments at the right time. Since 2020, VHB and VHC mortality rates in the region have not decreased, and no country has reached the objective set by WHO by 2025: diagnosis at least 60% of new cases.
Conscious of this gap, the VH-Comsavac project opted for Design attenomy models, staggers and adapted to the specific needs of migrant populations in vulnerability. The initiative was developed in Italy, Greece and Spain —The three EU countries that most border and arrivals of migrants receive on the Mediterranean route – and, since its inception in 2022, Ja Screening 2,043 migrants and refugees. The majority were young, with an average age of 38 years, newcomers (less than five years in the country) and procedures, in their mayor part, of subshaan Africa (27.5%).
The project detected a prevalence of HBB (HBSAG+) of 3.53% and HCV (anti-VHC+) of 2.94%. SEN embargo, the figures at 6 % in cases of HBV in Spain and HC in Greece, which reinforces the urgency of implement screening strategies and attention plus species.
A viable and profitable community attitude model
One of VH-ComSavac’s greatest achievements was to demonstrate that The screening in community environments, Using simplified diagnostic tools and person -centered referral routes, it is not only voble, but also profitable. An economic analysis confirmed that this Reduced waiting times, decreased indirect costs and special environmental results for rent in Catalonia.
Embargo on sin, they still persist Obstacles. Although 65.1% of those who were diagnosed with an active infectious Access to vaccination against hepatitis B turned out. In Catalonia, where universal health coverage is guaranteed, 95% of people who needed additional serological evidence received them. However, only 30% of those who were candidates a VHB vaccinated received the first dose in community amita – although 90% accepted it when they were offered. On the other hand, in Madrid, less than 3% of the people who required more evidence could access them, which significantly limited the possibility of Ofregles the vaccine.
Challenges on the road to the elimination of viral hepatitis
When taking stock of the project, the researcher of ISGlobal and coordinator of VH-COMSAVAC, Camila PicchioHe points out that “ess that too many people watched Hatra on the other hand, VH-comsavac took one step forward: by equity, by migrants and for a action based on evidence. Message is clear: To achieve the objective of eliminating viral hepatitis set by WHO, it is not enough to recognize the problem. Financial is needed, Frime collaboration and political volunteer. «
The meeting in Barcelona meeting a prominent personal researcher, health professionals, community leaders, policy responsible for health representatives of the European Union in a day dedicated to data exchange and conjuna reflection. The program included presentations of the project results an isglobal load, the Cattolica University of the Sacral Cuore (UCSC) and Health between Cultures (SEC), as well as round tables with community referents of Spain, such as Xavier Mayor I Roca, of the Department of Health of Salud, and Josepa, and Josepa, and Josepa, and José, and José, and José, and Josud, and Josud, José, and Josud, and José, and Josud, and Josud de Comunitarra, and José, and Josud, and Josud, and Josud de Comunitarra, and José, and Josud, and Josud de Community, and José, and Josud, and Josud de Community, and José, and Josud de Community, and José, and Josud, and Josud de Community, and Josud, and Josud de Catal. Jansà, from the Public Health Agency of Barcelona.
To commemorate the closure of the project, the team presents a New brief Curriculums The main findings and collects practical recommendations with the aim of supporting health systems on their way to inclusive, equitable and adapted math care to the needs of theness of the migrant community fronts to heepatitis. The document makes a call political leaders to transform evidence into sustainable actions —And thus guarantee that it fits back on the route Towards the elimination of viral hepatitis from here to 2030.
