Hepatitis B Cases Fall 32%, Yet Millions Still at Risk: WHO

News Desk 

Geneva: The annual number of new hepatitis B infections has declined by 32% worldwide, while deaths linked to hepatitis C have dropped by 12%, according to the latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The findings, published in the WHO’s 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, highlight notable progress in global efforts to combat viral hepatitis. However, the agency cautioned that the pace remains insufficient to meet elimination targets by 2030.

Despite the decline, viral hepatitis continued to claim 1.34 million lives in 2024 and still infects around 1.8 million people each year, the report noted.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the progress demonstrates that eliminating hepatitis is achievable with sustained political will and reliable domestic financing. However, he warned that advancements remain “too slow and uneven” across regions.

The report also showed encouraging trends among children, with hepatitis B prevalence in those under five dropping to 0.6%. A total of 85 countries have met or exceeded the 2030 target of reducing prevalence to 0.1%.

Globally, an estimated 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C infections in 2024. Treatment coverage remains a major concern, with fewer than 5% of people with chronic hepatitis B currently receiving care.

Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections, said the data underscores both progress and existing gaps in the global response.

The WHO has called for urgent expansion of prevention, testing and treatment services to accelerate progress and achieve its 2030 elimination goals.