The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on April 28 about the slow progress in the fight against hepatitis B and C viruses, which caused 1.34 million deaths worldwide in 2024.
According to the WHO's 2026 global hepatitis report, the transmission of hepatitis B and C – which alone account for 951 third-time fatalities of hepatitis worldwide – continues at a sustained pace, with more than 4,900 new infections every day, or 1.8 million per year.
“ Countries need to act faster to integrate hepatitis B and C care services into primary healthcare and to reach the most affected communities" , asks Tereza Kasaeva, director of the Hepatitis department at the WHO, in a statement.
The WHO, however, highlights in its press release some progress made since 2015 in the fight against these diseases, notably a decrease of 321 case fatality rates (CFRs) in new hepatitis B infections, compared to only 81 CFRs for hepatitis C. Deaths related to hepatitis C have decreased by 121 CFRs globally over this period. Conversely, they have increased by 171 CFRs for hepatitis B, a viral infection that can be prevented with vaccines.
In 2024, global vaccination coverage for the third dose of vaccines reached 841. However, only 451 received the dose at birth, which is essential to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Read alsoThe hepatitis B virus has been with humans for over 10,000 years.
287 million people affected in 2024
“ This report shows that progress is too slow and uneven. Many people remain undiagnosed and without treatment due to stigma, fragile health systems, and unequal access to care."This is a significant development," emphasizes WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, quoted in the press release. However, we have the tools to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat. It is urgent to massively accelerate prevention, screening, and access to treatment." he adds.
Globally, 287 million people were living with hepatitis B or C in 2024, representing 31% of the world's population with hepatitis B. Of the 240 million people living with chronic hepatitis B in 2024, fewer than 51% were receiving treatment. For hepatitis C, only 201% of patients have been treated since 2015, despite the existence of a 12-week treatment with a cure rate of approximately 95%.
Ten countries – Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and Vietnam – accounted for 691 TPH of hepatitis B-related deaths worldwide in 2024. Ten countries accounted for 581 TPH of hepatitis C-related deaths: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, the United States and Vietnam.
English 
French