WHO Urges Stronger Efforts to Achieve 2030 Hepatitis Elimination

The World Health Organization's latest Global Hepatitis Report 2026 paints a concerning picture: while there's progress in the fight against viral hepatitis, the world is falling short of its 2030 elimination goals. This report, released during the World Hepatitis Summit, underscores the persistent threat posed by Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), which were responsible for a staggering 1.34 million deaths and 1.8 million new infections globally in 2024. The sheer scale of chronic infections, affecting approximately 287 million people worldwide, highlights the immense public health challenge that remains.

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eliminating hepatitis was achievable with sustained political will and adequate funding.

From a global health perspective, the report acknowledges positive trends since 2015. A 32% decline in new HBV infections, largely attributed to improved immunization strategies, and a 12% reduction in HCV-related deaths due to accessible antiviral treatments are commendable. The significant drop in chronic HBV prevalence among young children is a testament to successful vaccination programs. However, these gains are overshadowed by the stark reality that progress on several key targets is alarmingly slow. New HCV infections have decreased by a mere 8% against a target of 80%, and, more disturbingly, HBV-related deaths have actually increased by 17% in the same period.

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current progress remains insufficient to meet the 2030 targets.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, asserts that eliminating hepatitis is achievable with sustained political will and adequate funding. Yet, the report's findings suggest a critical gap between aspiration and action. The current trajectory indicates that the 2030 targets for reducing hepatitis-related deaths by 65% will be missed unless there is a drastic acceleration in efforts. Key challenges identified include limited access to vaccines, testing, and treatment, particularly in high-risk regions, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and hinders comprehensive elimination strategies.

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new HCV infections fell by only eight per cent between 2015 and 2024, far below the 80 per cent reduction target.

To bridge this gap, the WHO strongly recommends scaling up treatment for chronic infections, enhancing the crucial hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, and reinforcing measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The report serves as a critical wake-up call, emphasizing that complacency is not an option. Achieving hepatitis elimination requires a renewed and intensified global commitment, focusing on equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, and care, especially in resource-limited settings. The fight against hepatitis is far from over, and a significant surge in concerted action is needed to turn the tide by 2030.

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HBV-related deaths increased by 17 per cent during the same period, due to gaps in diagnosis and treatment.