WHO report shows hepatitis progress but warns 2030 targets at risk
The Story
Global efforts against viral hepatitis are showing progress but remain insufficient to meet 2030 elimination targets, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report released at the World Hepatitis Summit. The 2026 Global hepatitis report documents declining infections and deaths since 2015, but warns that current rates are too slow to achieve all targets.
Key Facts
- Viral hepatitis B and C caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024, the latest data show.
- More than 4,900 new infections occur every day, totaling 1.8 million per year.
- Annual new hepatitis B infections dropped 32% since 2015; hepatitis C deaths fell 12% globally.
- Hepatitis B prevalence among children under five decreased to 0.6%, with 85 countries reaching the 2030 target of 0.1%.
- 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024.
- 0.9 million new hepatitis B infections in 2024; the WHO African Region accounted for 68% of new cases.
- 0.9 million new hepatitis C infections; people who inject drugs accounted for 44% of new cases.
- Fewer than 5% of the 240 million chronic hepatitis B patients received treatment in 2024.
- Only 20% of hepatitis C patients have been treated since 2015, when a 12-week cure with about 95% efficacy became available.
- Ten countries accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths and 58% of hepatitis C deaths in 2024.
- Effective tools exist: hepatitis B vaccine protects over 95% of recipients; antiviral treatment for hepatitis B; short-course hepatitis C therapy cures over 95% of infections.
- Priority actions include scaling up treatment, improving hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, and strengthening harm reduction services.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
The article does not specify whether the 2030 targets can be met at current progress rates, nor does it detail funding amounts or specific national implementation plans.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
- Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director, WHO Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sources: World Health Organization
