Viral Hepatitis: Progress Made But Global Elimination Targets at Risk
The WHO reports that while global efforts to combat viral hepatitis B and C have yielded measurable progress since 2015, the current pace of action remains insufficient to meet 2030 elimination targets. Hepatitis B and C account for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide, claiming 1.34 million lives in 2024 alone.
Current Global Burden
Approximately 287 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C infection. An estimated 1.8 million new infections occur annually (4,900 daily). Key epidemiological highlights:
- Hepatitis B: 0.9 million new infections in 2024; WHO African Region accounts for 68% of new cases
- Hepatitis C: 0.9 million new infections in 2024; 44% linked to people who inject drugs
- Treatment gap: Fewer than 5% of 240 million hepatitis B patients receive treatment; only 20% of hepatitis C patients treated since 2015
Ten countries (Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Vietnam) account for 69% of hepatitis B–related deaths.
Positive Developments
Since 2015, hepatitis B new infections dropped 32% and hepatitis C–related deaths fell 12%. Notably, 85 countries have achieved or exceeded the 2030 target of ≤0.1% hepatitis B prevalence in children under five (current global average: 0.6%). Countries including Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, and the UK demonstrate that elimination is achievable.
Available Prevention and Treatment
- Hepatitis B vaccine: >95% protective efficacy against acute and chronic infection
- Hepatitis B antivirals: Long-term treatment effectively manages chronic infection and prevents advanced liver disease
- Hepatitis C therapy: 8–12 week curative regimens cure >95% of infections
Critical Gaps
Barriers to meeting 2030 targets include weak health system infrastructure, insufficient hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination coverage (17% in WHO African Region), limited harm reduction services for injection drug users, inequitable access to care, and stigma limiting diagnosis and treatment uptake.
Pharmacist's note: As a healthcare professional, I emphasize that travelers and at-risk populations should verify hepatitis B vaccination status before international travel, particularly to high-burden regions. The 95% cure rate for hepatitis C reflects significant pharmaceutical advances, yet global access remains inequitable. Healthcare providers should counsel patients on transmission routes (blood exposure, sexual contact, mother-to-child) and highlight that early diagnosis through serologic testing enables intervention with highly effective, well-tolerated medications. Individual compliance with treatment regimens is essential for cure and prevention of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma complications.
Recommended Actions
WHO identifies urgent priorities: scaling hepatitis B treatment in Africa and Western Pacific regions; expanding hepatitis C access in Eastern Mediterranean Region; strengthening hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination; enhancing injection safety; and integrating hepatitis services into primary care.