Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis are making progress but remain off track to meet 2030 targets, according to new data released by the World Health Organization.
The report, unveiled at the World Hepatitis Summit in Bangkok and Geneva, shows that hepatitis B and C caused about 1.34 million deaths in 2024, while nearly 1.8 million new infections occur annually.
Despite gains—including a 32 per cent drop in hepatitis B infections and a 12 per cent decline in hepatitis C deaths since 2015—experts warn progress is uneven and too slow.
“Around the world, countries are showing that eliminating hepatitis is possible,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “But many remain undiagnosed and untreated due to weak health systems and inequitable access.”
The report estimates 287 million people are living with chronic hepatitis globally, with Africa carrying a disproportionate burden. The region accounts for 68 per cent of new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17 per cent of newborns receive the critical birth-dose vaccine.
Treatment coverage remains alarmingly low, with fewer than 5 per cent of hepatitis B patients receiving care and only 20 per cent of hepatitis C cases treated. Global Hepatitis Fight Slows as WHO Warns 2030 Targets at Risk
Experts say scaling up vaccination, testing, and treatment—alongside integrating hepatitis services into primary healthcare—is key to accelerating progress.
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Korede Abdullah 
Mirian Gom 
