ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The World Health Organization (WHO) says global efforts to tackle viral hepatitis are showing measurable progress in reducing infections and deaths, but the disease remains a major global health threat that requires sustained worldwide action.
In a statement issued on Tuesday at the World Hepatitis Summit, the organisation referenced a new report indicating that hepatitis B and C caused 1.34 million deaths globally in 2024, according to the latest data.
The report also showed ongoing transmission, with more than 4,900 new infections recorded daily about 1.8 million annually highlighting continued spread despite expanded prevention, testing, and treatment efforts across many countries.
“Since 2015, significant gains include a 32 per cent drop in new hepatitis B infections and a 12 per cent decline in hepatitis C related deaths, alongside improved childhood vaccination coverage in regions.
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“Hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has fallen to 0.6 per cent, with 85 countries meeting or surpassing the 2030 target of 0.1 per cent, reflecting sustained coordinated global action recently achieved.”
However, the report cautioned that progress remains too slow and uneven to achieve all 2030 elimination targets, urging faster prevention measures, expanded testing, and wider access to effective treatment worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said elimination is achievable with strong political commitment and stable financing, but noted that many infected people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care.
He explained that updated estimates show 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024, including 0.9 million new hepatitis B infections, with Africa accounting for 68 per cent of cases.
“Only 17 per cent of newborns in the African region received the hepatitis B birth dose, while 0.9 million hepatitis C infections occurred, linked to unsafe injections and inadequate harm reduction services.
“In spite of effective vaccines and treatments, including a short course hepatitis C cure exceeding 95 per cent, fewer than five per cent of hepatitis B patients receive therapy and only 20 per cent treated globally,” he said.
(NAN)