PROGRESS toward global hepatitis elimination is insufficient, with millions still affected and treatment coverage lagging, WHO analysis finds.
Hepatitis Elimination Goals Remain Unmet
Despite ongoing global initiatives, efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 are falling short, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) analysis. Chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer.
In 2022, 254 million people (3.27% of the global population) were living with chronic HBV, and 50 million with HCV. Five countries – China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan – accounted for 55% of all cases, highlighting concentrated hotspots of infection.
New Hepatitis Infections and Deaths Highlight Burden
The study found more than 2.2 million new chronic HBV and HCV infections worldwide in 2022. Hepatitis-related deaths exceeded 1.3 million, with HBV accounting for the majority.
The estimated mortality burden of viral hepatitis now exceeds that of tuberculosis, underscoring the disease’s global impact. The African Region experienced 62·7% of new HBV infections, indicating urgent regional priorities for intervention.
Treatment and Diagnosis Gaps
Significant gaps in diagnosis and treatment persist. Only 34.1 million people with HBV were diagnosed in 2022, and 6.6 million received antiviral therapy. For HCV, 25.7 million were diagnosed, with 12.5 million treated with direct-acting antivirals between 2015 and 2022.
Limited access to care continues to impede progress toward elimination targets.
Urgent Action Required
The WHO analysis highlights the urgent need to scale up hepatitis B vaccination, particularly in Africa, and expand access to testing and treatment globally. Accelerating these efforts by 2026 is critical if countries are to meet the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets for viral hepatitis elimination. Without intensified action, hepatitis will remain a pressing public health challenge, with significant liver-related morbidity and mortality.
Reference
Cui F et al. The burden of chronic hepatitis B and C in 2022 and progress towards elimination: a global report. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026;DOI:10.1016/S2468-1253(25)00375-9.
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