** Despite significant gains in combating hepatitis B and C, a staggering 1.34 million deaths and continued high infection rates demand urgent action to meet ambitious 2030 elimination targets.
📍 ** Global, with specific mentions of WHO African Region and areas related to injection drug use.
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The world has made notable strides in the fight against hepatitis B and C, representing 95% of all hepatitis-related deaths globally. In 2024, these infections tragically claimed 1.34 million lives, with approximately 1.8 million new infections reported annually – equating to over 4,900 cases each day. However, these advancements haven’t been enough to stem the tide, highlighting the urgent need for accelerated efforts.
A decade of progress, documented in the 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, reveals a 32% decline in new hepatitis B infections and a 12% reduction in hepatitis C-related deaths. Remarkably, the prevalence of hepatitis B among children under five has plummeted to 0.6%, with 85 countries successfully achieving or surpassing the 2030 target of reducing this prevalence to 0.1%. Yet, the overall picture remains concerning, with 287 million people living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024.
Despite the available tools for elimination, significant hurdles persist. Stigma, weakened health systems, and unequal access to care contribute to many remaining undiagnosed and untreated. Critical gaps remain, particularly in the African Region where only 17% of newborns receive a birth-dose vaccination against hepatitis B, and among those with hepatitis C, injection drug users account for 44% of new infections. Access to treatment is similarly limited, with fewer than 5% of chronic hepatitis B patients and a mere 20% of those with hepatitis C receiving effective treatment since 2015.
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Original Source: Link
** #Hepatitis #HepB #HepC #ViralInfection #GlobalHealth #WHO #EliminateHepatitis #LiverHealth
Tags:
** Global, with specific mentions of WHO African Region and areas related to injection drug use.
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