WHO Reports 32 Percent Decline in Hepatitis B Cases
According to the WHO's 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, new hepatitis B infections have plummeted 32% annually worldwide, while hepatitis C-related deaths have decreased by 12% — figures the agency described as significant yet insufficient. Viral hepatitis nevertheless claimed 1.34 million lives in 2024 and continues to infect 1.8 million people each year.
"Around the world, countries are showing that eliminating hepatitis is not a pipedream, it's possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Yet he cautioned that progress remains "too slow and uneven" — a stark reminder that momentum alone will not be enough.
The report delivered a rare bright spot in pediatric data, finding that hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has fallen to 0.6%, with 85 countries already meeting or surpassing the 2030 benchmark of 0.1%. However, the broader treatment landscape remains deeply troubling — 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C infections in 2024, and fewer than 5% of those with chronic hepatitis B are currently receiving treatment.
"The data shows that progress is possible but also reveals where we are falling short," said Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO's department for HIV, TB, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections.
The UN health agency issued an urgent call Tuesday for accelerated investment in prevention, testing, and treatment infrastructure worldwide if 2030 elimination goals are to remain within reach.
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