The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed alarming statistics on Tuesday, stating that viral hepatitis infections are the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, resulting in 1.3 million deaths annually, paralleling tuberculosis as a top infectious killer.
During the 2024 Global Hepatitis Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, themed "Integrate Accelerate Eliminate," WHO emphasized that hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, poses significant health risks, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Five main strains of the hepatitis virus (types A, B, C, D, and E) exist, differing in transmission modes, severity, and prevention methods. Despite available prevention measures, WHO highlighted concerning statistics, particularly in regions like Africa and the Western Pacific.
In Africa, 63% of new hepatitis B infections occur, yet only 18% of newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccination. Similarly, the Western Pacific Region, responsible for 47% of hepatitis B deaths, has low treatment coverage, hindering mortality reduction efforts.
The global health body stressed the urgency of addressing viral hepatitis, as the infections claim 3,500 lives daily. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, testing and treatment coverage rates have stagnated. However, WHO believes that achieving the 2030 elimination goal remains feasible with prompt action.
In 2022, hepatitis-related deaths rose to 1.3 million, with hepatitis B causing 83% of fatalities and hepatitis C contributing 17%. Notably, the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed concern over rising deaths due to undiagnosed and untreated cases, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.
With 254 million living with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C globally, the burden of chronic infections remains high, with men accounting for 58% of cases. Despite slight improvements in diagnosis and treatment coverage since 2019, WHO's data underscores the imperative of accelerating elimination efforts.
WHO outlined key recommendations for expediting hepatitis elimination, including expanding access to testing and diagnostics, strengthening prevention efforts, and mobilizing innovative financing. As the fight against viral hepatitis continues, WHO urges global collaboration and swift action to save lives and curb the epidemic.
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