These are the first World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the prevention, care and treatment of persons living with CHB infection, and complement similar recent published guidance by WHO on the prevention, care and treatment of infection due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The recommendations are structured along the continuum of care for persons with CHBa, from initial assessment of stage of disease and eligibility for treatment, to initiation of first-line antiviral therapy and monitoring for disease progression, toxicity and HCC, and switch to second-line drugs in persons with treatment failure. They are intended for use across age groups and adult populations.