The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared viral hepatitis infections as the second leading cause of infectious disease mortality worldwide, on par with tuberculosis, a leading infectious killer.
This revelation emerged from the 2024 Global Hepatitis Reports presented at the ongoing World Hepatitis Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, running from April 9 to 11, 2024, themed “Integrate Accelerate Eliminate.”
Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver caused by various infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, claims approximately 1.3 million lives annually, according to the WHO. The report underscores the critical need for heightened attention to combat this health threat.
Distinguished by five main strains, hepatitis viruses A through E, the diseases vary in transmission modes, severity, geographical distribution, and prevention methods.
Highlighting regional disparities, the WHO notes that the African region shoulders 63% of new hepatitis B infections, while only 18% of newborns in the region receive the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination. Meanwhile, the Western Pacific Region, accounting for 47% of hepatitis B deaths, lags with treatment coverage at a mere 23% among diagnosed individuals.
Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, and Viet Nam, collectively bear two-thirds of the global burden of hepatitis B and C. Urgent action is needed in these nations, alongside intensified efforts in Africa, to align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Despite advancements in diagnostic and treatment tools, testing and treatment coverage rates have plateaued, impeding progress towards the WHO’s elimination goal by 2030. The report warns that without swift action, the number of lives claimed by viral hepatitis will continue to rise.
Dr. Terror Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expresses concern over the rising mortality rates, emphasising the need for improved diagnosis and treatment access.
The WHO estimates reveal that 254 million people will live with hepatitis B and 50 million will live with hepatitis C in 2022, with men constituting 58% of cases. Although new incidence estimates show a slight decrease from 2019, the overall incidence remains high, with 2.2 million new infections reported in 2022.
Regarding diagnosis and treatment, the report reveals significant gaps. Only 13% of people with chronic hepatitis B have been diagnosed, and merely 3% have received antiviral therapy. Similarly, 36% of hepatitis C cases have been diagnosed, with only 20% receiving curative treatment.
The WHO advocates for accelerated efforts to eliminate hepatitis by expanding testing and diagnostics, implementing equitable treatment policies, strengthening prevention strategies, and mobilising innovative financing. These measures, coupled with enhanced global cooperation, are imperative to mitigate the hepatitis burden and save lives worldwide.
