The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that while global efforts to combat viral hepatitis are improving, progress remains insufficient to meet the 2030 elimination targets.
This was contained in its Global Hepatitis Report 2026, presented at the World Hepatitis Summit on Tuesday, which highlights ongoing gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment worldwide.
According to the report, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) accounted for about 95% of hepatitis-related deaths in 2024, with a combined global death toll of 1.34 million. HBV was responsible for approximately 1.1 million deaths, while HCV caused around 240,000 deaths, largely linked to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
The analysis also estimates about 1.8 million new infections in 2024, with roughly 900,000 cases each for HBV and HCV. Overall, more than 287 million people are currently living with chronic hepatitis infections worldwide.
Despite these figures, the report noted some progress, including a 32% reduction in new hepatitis B infections since 2015, driven by expanded vaccination and prevention programmes. It also recorded a 12% decline in HCV-related deaths, supported by wider access to antiviral treatments.
In addition, the proportion of children under five living with chronic HBV dropped from 0.8% in 2015 to 0.6% in 2024, while the number of people infected with HCV fell by about 20% due to improved curative therapies.
However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that hepatitis can still be eliminated if countries strengthen political commitment and invest adequately in healthcare systems.
Despite progress, the report warned that current efforts are not enough to meet the 2030 targets, noting that new HCV infections declined by only 8% between 2015 and 2024—far below the 80% reduction goal.
It also highlighted a 17% increase in HBV-related deaths over the same period, attributing the rise to persistent gaps in diagnosis and treatment.
The WHO further emphasized the need for rapid expansion of testing, vaccination, and treatment services, especially in high-burden regions, to achieve the targeted 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths by 2030.