As the world observes World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its call for governments and global health partners to urgently accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat. The appeal comes amid alarming statistics that show one person dies every 30 seconds from complications related to hepatitis, including severe liver disease and liver cancer.
“Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer. Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Viral hepatitis types A, B, C, D, and E are responsible for millions of acute liver infections globally. However, hepatitis B, C, and D are of most concern due to their ability to cause chronic infections, which can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Shockingly, a large proportion of those infected remain unaware of their condition.
Together, hepatitis B, C, and D affect more than 300 million people worldwide and contribute to over 1.3 million deaths annually, mostly from preventable causes.
In a significant development, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has officially classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, joining hepatitis B and C in the highest cancer risk category. Hepatitis D infects only those already carrying hepatitis B and increases the risk of liver cancer two to six times compared to hepatitis B infection alone.
“WHO has published updated 2024 guidelines on testing for hepatitis B and D, and is closely monitoring clinical outcomes from new treatments,” said Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO's incoming Director of Science for Health.
While oral antiviral therapy can cure hepatitis C in just 2–3 months, and lifelong treatment can suppress hepatitis B, access to these treatments remains limited, especially in low-resource settings. Treatments for hepatitis D are evolving, but comprehensive integration of hepatitis services—vaccination, testing, harm reduction, and care—into national health systems is essential for maximum impact.
According to the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, there is growing momentum among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs):
123 countries now have national hepatitis action plans, up from 59 in previous years
129 countries have adopted hepatitis B testing for pregnant women (up from 106 in 2024)
147 countries have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, a critical step in preventing mother-to-child transmission
Yet testing and treatment rates remain far below global targets:
By 2022, only 13% of people with hepatitis B and 36% with hepatitis C had been diagnosed
Treatment coverage was even lower—3% for hepatitis B and 20% for hepatitis C
Integration of services remains inconsistent: hepatitis services are included in 80 primary care systems, 128 HIV programmes, and only 27 harm reduction centres
To meet WHO’s 2030 targets—which could save 2.8 million lives and prevent 9.8 million new infections—countries must scale up efforts. WHO urges domestic investment, stronger data systems, affordable medicine access, community-based care, and eliminating stigma to address persistent challenges.
In a show of unified action, WHO has joined hands with Rotary International and the World Hepatitis Alliance to drive global and grassroots advocacy. This year’s campaign, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” focuses on dismantling the barriers—such as stigma and funding shortages—that hinder progress in fighting hepatitis and its link to liver cancer.
As the burden of hepatitis-related liver disease continues to rise, WHO’s message is clear: the tools and treatments exist—what’s needed now is political will, community engagement, and accelerated action to end hepatitis as a public health threat.