WHO Urges Action for 2030 Hepatitis Elimination Goals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stronger efforts to achieve the 2030 hepatitis elimination targets, as outlined in its latest global hepatitis report released on Tuesday during the World Hepatitis Summit. The report indicates that hepatitis B and C viruses are responsible for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths, totaling approximately 1.34 million deaths globally in 2024.

Specifically, 1.1 million deaths are linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 240,000 to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, primarily due to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The report also notes 1.8 million new infections recorded in 2024, with HBV and HCV accounting for 900,000 cases.

Approximately 287 million people live with chronic hepatitis infections worldwide. While there has been a 32% decline in new hepatitis B infections since 2015, the report warns that current progress is insufficient to meet the 2030 targets, with a 17% increase in HBV-related deaths during the same period.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the need for sustainable political commitment and adequate funding to achieve a 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths by 2030.