RESEARCH PAPER
Epidemiological dynamics and prevention strategies for viral hepatitis B and C in the Kyrgyz Republic
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1
Faculty of Postgraduate Education and Science, Kyrgyz State Medical Institute оf Post-Graduate Training and Continuous Education named after S.B. Daniyarov, Kyrgyz Republic
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Faculty of Medicine, Osh State University, Kyrgyz Republic
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Department of Scientific Research Management, I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Kyrgyz Republic
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Family Medicine Center No. 6, Kyrgyz Republic
Submission date: 2026-03-11
Final revision date: 2026-08-19
Acceptance date: 2026-09-04
Online publication date: 2026-10-08
Corresponding author
Saparby Tobokalova
Faculty of Postgraduate Education and Science, Kyrgyz State Medical Institute оf Post-Graduate Training and Continuous Education named after S.B. Daniyarov, Kyrgyz Republic
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ABSTRACT
Background: Viral hepatitis B and C remain important public health concerns because of their potential progression to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological monitoring, vaccination, screening, and early diagnosis are therefore essential for reducing transmission and disease burden. Assessing recent trends in the Kyrgyz Republic is particularly important for evaluating the effectiveness of national prevention programmes and identifying regional and demographic groups requiring additional interventions. Objective: This study aimed to examine the epidemiological situation regarding acute and chronic viral hepatitis B and C in the Kyrgyz Republic from 2018 to 2023. Material and methods: The study analysed data provided by the Department of Disease Prevention and the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Service. Time trends, regional and demographic characteristics, and the outcomes of screening and vaccination programmes were evaluated. Results: The incidence of hepatitis B decreased 2.3-fold during the study period, coinciding with the long-term implementation of mass vaccination introduced in 2000. New hepatitis B cases among children were virtually eliminated, supporting the effectiveness of childhood vaccination. In 2023, screening of 203,308 individuals detected infection markers in 2.82%, indicating a considerable burden of previously unidentified infections. The highest hepatitis B infection levels were recorded in Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Chui regions and in major cities. Adult vaccination introduced in 2023 achieved substantial coverage; however, only 58% of vaccinated individuals completed the three-dose schedule, highlighting the need to improve adherence. Expanded laboratory diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance also contributed to improved case detection. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate progress in hepatitis prevention in the Kyrgyz Republic while identifying continuing gaps in vaccination completion, screening, and early diagnosis. Strengthening these measures, particularly in densely populated and high-incidence regions, may further reduce the national burden of viral hepatitis.