World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July, raises awareness for viral hepatitis, a disease causing one death every 30 seconds. Alarming data shows a rise in hepatitis-related deaths from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022 across 187 countries. Hepatitis B is responsible for 83% of these deaths, while hepatitis C accounts for 17%, translating to 3500 deaths globally each day.
In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets for 2030: 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 90% of people with hepatitis B or C, 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 80% of those with hepatitis B, and 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 80% of those with hepatitis C. Despite advancements, these goals remain unmet, with testing and treatment coverage stagnating. An estimated 254 million people live with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C worldwide, with 6000 new infections occurring daily. Many cases remain undiagnosed, and even diagnosed cases often go untreated. By the end of 2022, only 13% of people with chronic hepatitis B had been diagnosed, and less than 3% received antiviral therapy. For hepatitis C, only 36% were diagnosed between 2015 and 2022, and just 20% received curative treatment.
The vaccination rate is also concerning, with only 45% of newborns receiving the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. Many infants miss at least two additional recommended doses, despite the vaccine's affordability.
Swift action to ensure universal access to viral hepatitis interventions could significantly impact public health. By 2030, achieving WHO targets could save 2.85 million lives, prevent 9.5 million new infections, and avert 2.1 million cases of cancer. The WHO's 2024 Global Hepatitis Report outlines strategies to accelerate progress, including improving access to testing and diagnostics, transitioning from policy to inclusive treatment implementation, enhancing preventive measures at primary care levels, optimizing product regulation and supply chains, and developing financial investment frameworks in high-priority countries. The report also emphasizes the importance of leveraging innovative financing mechanisms, using enhanced data for targeted interventions, involving affected communities and civil society, and advancing research to improve diagnostics and explore potential cures for hepatitis B.
𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 to make the 2030 WHO hepatitis elimination goal a reality!
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