Hepatitis viruses kill 3,500 people a day: WHO

viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis poses a significant global health threat, with staggering numbers of deaths occurring daily due to these infections. According to recent data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 3,500 individuals lose their lives each day as a result of hepatitis viruses, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this silent killer.

The WHO report, presented at the World Hepatitis Summit in Portugal, reveals a troubling increase in the number of deaths from viral hepatitis. In 2022 alone, the global toll soared to 1.3 million, marking a significant rise from 1.1 million deaths recorded in 2019. These alarming trends underscore the critical importance of swift and decisive action to address the growing threat of hepatitis infections worldwide.

Meg Doherty, head of the WHO's global HIV, hepatitis, and sexually-transmitted infection programs, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a press conference. She highlighted the urgent need for increased efforts to tackle hepatitis, the second-largest infectious killer globally, after tuberculosis.

The report sheds light on the disproportionate burden of hepatitis infections, with hepatitis B and hepatitis C accounting for the majority of deaths. Despite the availability of effective and affordable generic drugs for treating these viruses, access to treatment remains woefully inadequate. Only a small fraction of individuals with chronic hepatitis B and C receive antiviral treatment, falling far short of global targets set by the WHO.

The situation is particularly dire in regions like Africa, where hepatitis B infections are rampant, yet vaccination rates among infants remain low. Lack of access to preventive measures and diagnostic services exacerbates the burden of hepatitis in these areas, contributing to the alarming rise in deaths.

One of the key challenges highlighted in the report is the limited access to generic hepatitis drugs in many affected countries. High costs and limited availability hinder efforts to scale up treatment and prevention initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of hepatitis is most pronounced.

Addressing the hepatitis crisis requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. Universal access to vaccination, especially among high-risk populations and infants, is crucial for reducing transmission rates. Additionally, scaling up screening and diagnostic services can facilitate early detection and prompt initiation of treatment, preventing disease progression and reducing mortality rates.

Furthermore, efforts to improve access to affordable generic drugs and reduce treatment costs are essential for expanding treatment coverage and reaching the global targets set by the WHO. Collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and civil society are paramount for driving progress and achieving meaningful impact in the fight against viral hepatitis.

In conclusion, the alarming rise in deaths from viral hepatitis underscores the urgent need for concerted action to address this global health crisis. By prioritizing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, we can save countless lives and work towards eliminating hepatitis as a major public health threat worldwide.