Model Shows: Investing in Hep B Saves Money, Lives

In November 2024, the Center for Disease Analysis Foundation released Public Health Impact of a Population-Based Approach to Hepatitis B Prevention and Treatment in Hawaiʻi, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. This report used modeling to estimate the possible health and economic impact of hepatitis B on Hawaiʻi.

According to the model, scaling up testing and treatment will reduce health and economic impacts of hepatitis B on Hawaiʻi, with the following highlights:

  • More hep B testing and treatment would prevent liver cancer and save lives.
  • Scaling up hep B testing and treatment saves long-term healthcare costs;
  • A return on investment is estimated at 120% ($1.20 gained for every $1.00 spent);

Note that economic modeling requires certain assumptions about the future and has known limitations. This modeling was based on current available information and represents anticipated future conditions. The full report contains more detailed information, including tables, graphs, and recommendations.

For a short summary of the findings, see the handout from Hep Free Hawaiʻi.