WHO Reports Sharp Global Drop in Hepatitis B Infections
The findings are outlined in the WHO’s 2026 Global Hepatitis Report, which attributes the progress to long-term international health efforts. However, the disease burden remains substantial, with viral hepatitis responsible for about 1.34 million deaths in 2024 and an estimated 1.8 million new infections occurring each year.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that elimination is achievable with consistent commitment and funding, stating that countries are proving “it’s possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing.” At the same time, he cautioned that overall progress is still “too slow and uneven.”
The report highlights a significant milestone in child health, showing that hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has dropped to 0.6%. In addition, 85 countries have already met or exceeded the 2030 benchmark of reducing prevalence to 0.1% in this age group.
Despite these gains, major challenges persist. The WHO estimates that 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024. Treatment coverage remains extremely low, with fewer than 5% of people with chronic hepatitis B receiving medical care.
Tereza Kasaeva, who leads the WHO’s department for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections, said the data demonstrates both progress and persistent gaps, noting that “The data shows that progress is possible but also reveals where we are falling short.”
The UN health agency is urging countries to accelerate efforts in prevention, testing, and treatment in order to stay aligned with the global elimination targets set for 2030.
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