Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, viral hepatitis remains a significant global health threat, claiming 1.3 million lives annually—on par with tuberculosis, according to the WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report.
The alarming increase in deaths caused by viral hepatitis demands urgent attention from the global community. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment tools, coverage rates have stagnated, posing a significant challenge in achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) elimination goal by 2030.
STARK REALITY: RISING DEATH TOLL
According to the WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, viral hepatitis now ranks as the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, claiming 1.3 million lives annually—equivalent to tuberculosis, another top infectious killer. Shockingly, every day sees 3,500 individuals succumb to hepatitis B and C infections globally.
“This report paints a troubling picture: despite progress globally in preventing hepatitis infections, deaths are rising because far too few people with hepatitis are being diagnosed and treated,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “WHO is committed to supporting countries to use all the tools at their disposal – at access prices – to save lives and turn this trend around.”
Updated WHO estimates indicate that 254 million people live with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C in 2022. Half the burden of chronic hepatitis B and C infections is among people 30–54 years old, with 12% among children under 18 years of age. Men account for 58% of all cases.
New incidence estimates indicate a slight decrease compared to 2019, but the overall incidence of viral hepatitis remains high. In 2022, there were 2.2 million new infections, down from 2.5 million in 2019.
These include 1.2 million new hepatitis B infections and nearly 1 million new hepatitis C infections. More than 6000 people are getting newly infected with viral hepatitis each day.
PERSISTING CHALLENGES: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT GAPS
Despite efforts to combat the epidemic, diagnosis and treatment rates remain disappointingly low. Only 13% of people living with chronic hepatitis B infection have been diagnosed, with a mere 3% receiving antiviral therapy. Similarly, 36% of those with hepatitis C have been diagnosed, and only 20% have received curative treatment, falling far short of the 2030 global targets.
REGIONAL DISPARITIES AND URGENT NEEDS
The burden of viral hepatitis varies across regions, with the WHO African Region bearing the brunt of new hepatitis B infections. Despite this, vaccination coverage for newborns in the region remains inadequate. Similarly, treatment coverage in the Western Pacific Region lags, contributing to high mortality rates.
BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: PRICING AND SERVICE DISPARITIES
Pricing disparities persist, hindering access to affordable treatment options in many countries. Despite the availability of generic medicines, procurement at lower prices remains a challenge. Moreover, centralized service delivery and out-of-pocket expenses further exacerbate disparities in access to care.
CALL TO ACTION: WHO RECOMMENDATIONS
The WHO’s report outlines key actions to accelerate progress towards hepatitis elimination by 2030. Recommendations include expanding access to testing and diagnostics, strengthening primary care prevention efforts, and mobilizing innovative financing to address funding gaps.
FUNDING CHALLENGES AND PATH FORWARD
Insufficient funding for viral hepatitis remains a significant obstacle, compounded by limited awareness and competing health priorities. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment and strategic planning to address these inequities and ensure access to life-saving interventions.
The global hepatitis crisis requires a concerted effort from governments, healthcare providers, and civil society to overcome. By implementing the WHO’s recommendations and prioritizing funding and awareness, we can work towards ending this epidemic and saving millions of lives worldwide.
