New York, USA – Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula on Tuesday attended his first high-level meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where countries discussed strategies to eliminate hepatitis.
The gathering, convened by the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis under the theme “Global Diplomacy to Eliminate Hepatitis: A Growing Coalition”, brought together representatives from all six World Health Organisation regions. More than 14 countries, five WHO regional offices and 15 global health organisations shared updates on progress and partnerships aimed at reaching the 2030 elimination targets.
Pakistan’s Federal Secretary of Health, Nadeem Mahbub, announced his country’s entry into the Leadership Circle of the group. African member states’ role in the fight against hepatitis was explored during a panel chaired by Prof Julio Rakotonirina, Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the African Union Commission. 
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Director of WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office, urged members to strengthen collective action, echoing Helen Keller’s words that alone little can be achieved but together much can be done.
Hepatitis, a disease of the liver, continues to pose a serious threat worldwide. The virus is responsible for 1.3 million deaths each year, a toll that now exceeds that of HIV. Causes include viral infections, alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, toxins, fatty liver disease and genetic conditions.
The UN Group of Friends, created under the leadership of Egypt’s mission to the UN, serves as a platform to share experiences, innovations and lessons while pushing for stronger health diplomacy. Its mandate supports Sustainable Development Goal 3.3, which calls on all nations to combat hepatitis by 2030.
