Nurmatov noted that official data does not always reflect reality, as it is based on appeals to medical institutions and emergency notifications.
According to his estimates, about 3.3% of the population is infected with hepatitis B, which amounts to approximately 231,000 people. Hepatitis C has been detected in 2.3% of the population (about 161,000), while hepatitis D is present in 0.6% (42,000). Viral hepatitis often occurs without obvious symptoms and can only be detected in the later stages of the disease, Nurmatov added.
Research shows that the highest prevalence of hepatitis B is observed among people aged 30-39 years (6.3%) and 40-49 years (4.3%). Unlike adults, the infection rate among children and adolescents is significantly lower due to vaccination, although the infection rate of hepatitis A among children remains high.
Vaccination, according to Nurmatov, significantly reduces the number of new cases of hepatitis and also prevents the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Expanding the vaccination program in the future could lead to a significant decrease in morbidity in the country.
Currently, vaccination of the adult population against hepatitis B continues in the republic, for which three vaccination courses are required.
