Conflict-induced increase in viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus infection among internally displaced persons: a retrospective study in Volodymyr community, Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To study the trends in the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during 2020-2024 in the rear region of Ukraine, in the city of Volodymyr, and assess the impact of internal displacement on the spread of infectious diseases.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

A retrospective analysis in Volodymyr Hospital (Volodymyr, Ukraine) was conducted using data from the official clinical registry and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for 2020-2024. Comparative literature and statistical data from infection prevention programmes were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Results

The decline in officially reported new HIV infections (from 29 in 2020 to 7 in 2024) contrasted with a marked increase in the number of ELISA-tested cases of hepatitis B and C (7,974 and 6,705 in 2024, respectively). Internally displaced persons (IDPs) accounted for a significant proportion of new diagnoses after 2022, including 22 HBV and 17 HCV cases in 2022. The discrepancy between laboratory results and official reporting suggests underdiagnosis. Additionally, Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that IDP status was a significant factor for increased risk of blood-borne infections.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

Military conflict and population displacement significantly exacerbate the problem of blood-borne infections. Countries with successful infection control systems, such as Canada and the Netherlands, have implemented universal HBV vaccination, national HCV elimination strategies, and mobile care for vulnerable populations. These examples highlight the need to replicate such models in conflict-affected regions. National plans should be based on international recommendations, such as the WHO Global Health Strategy 2022 and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's viral hepatitis elimination roadmap.