Viral Hepatitis Prevention in the Kyrgyz Republic

Using Data to Strengthen Prevention
For Everyone

At a glance

  • CDC supported the Kyrgyz Republic in conducting its first nationally representative viral hepatitis survey, generating critical data on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D.
  • Findings identified populations and regions at highest risk, helping the Ministry of Health better target prevention, screening, and treatment services.
  • Strengthening disease detection and response abroad helps protect the United States, stopping the transmission of infectious disease threats that can spread across borders.
A healthcare worker in a white coat sits at a cluttered desk speaking with three visitors wearing lanyards in a clinical office setting.

Detecting infectious disease threats earlier

A healthcare worker in a white coat sits at a cluttered desk speaking with three visitors wearing lanyards in a clinical office setting.
The field team meets with medical center staff upon arriving at the survey site.

Without accurate disease data, infectious diseases can spread unnoticed and public health systems may struggle to target prevention and response efforts. For years, the Kyrgyz Republic had limited national data on the burden and geographic distribution of viral hepatitis, making it challenging to direct resources and interventions effectively.

In 2024, CDC helped the Kyrgyz Republic conduct its first nationally representative hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D household serosurvey. More than 6,000 households across all seven regions participated, providing the country's first national snapshot of viral hepatitis prevalence.

Strengthening public health systems

Two lab workers in gloves examine a blood sample vial and paperwork next to an open biohazard specimen transport cooler
Laboratory staff conduct a quality check to ensure blood samples meet required standards before storage for testing as part of the serosurvey.

CDC worked closely with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health on survey implementation.

CDC trained more than 120 public health workers and laboratorians on field implementation, specimen collection, laboratory testing, and data management. CDC laboratory specialists also provided hands-on technical assistance to strengthen viral hepatitis testing and ensure high-quality data collection.

The survey was conducted in collaboration with regional and international partners, including Georgia's National Center for Disease Control and Public Health and U.S. private sector organizations that supported laboratory diagnostics and implementation.

Impact

Survey findings showed that the Kyrgyz Republic continues to experience intermediate levels of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D, with the highest burden among adults ages 30–59 years and in southern regions of the country.

At the same time, findings among children demonstrated the long-term success of the hepatitis B vaccination program, showing low infection rates among younger populations.

Fact

Results are now helping the Ministry of Health target prevention, screening, and treatment efforts toward the regions and communities with the greatest need and identify opportunities to strengthen prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Why it matters

This survey showed that countries cannot depend on modeled estimates alone to understand viral hepatitis burden. Serosurveys provide the data needed to strengthen prevention, screening, and treatment strategies.

- Rania Tohme, Associate Director for Global Health in CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis

CDC's global health work helps countries detect and address infectious disease risks before they become larger regional or international threats.

By strengthening disease surveillance and public health systems abroad, CDC stops diseases at their source—before they spread across borders and reach U.S. communities.

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Content Source:
Global Health Center