On World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments and global partners to move quickly in tackling viral hepatitis. The agency says that scaling up prevention, testing, and treatment efforts could save millions of lives and reduce the number of people dying from liver cancer.
“Every 30 seconds, someone dies from liver disease or cancer caused by hepatitis,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “Yet we have the tools to stop this.”
Hepatitis Viruses Pose a Global Health Threat
Viral hepatitis includes types A, B, C, D, and E. Of these, hepatitis B, C, and D can cause chronic infections that damage the liver over time. These three types affect more than 300 million people worldwide and are responsible for more than 1.3 million deaths each year.
The major causes of death are cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite these risks, most people living with hepatitis are unaware they are infected, leaving them untreated and more likely to suffer serious consequences.
Hepatitis D Now Classified as a Cancer-Causing Virus
In a major update, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans. This puts it in the same category as hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis D is unique—it only infects people who already have hepatitis B.
People infected with both hepatitis B and D face a two- to six-times higher risk of developing liver cancer than those with hepatitis B alone. WHO says this new classification is important for increasing awareness and support for hepatitis D testing and treatment.
“WHO issued updated guidelines in 2024 on testing and diagnosis of hepatitis B and D,” said Dr. Meg Doherty, incoming Director of Science for Health at WHO. She also noted that WHO is monitoring promising new treatments for hepatitis D.
Treatments Exist, But Services Must Expand
There are effective treatments for hepatitis. Hepatitis C can often be cured in two to three months with oral medication. Hepatitis B can be controlled with lifelong therapy. Treatment for hepatitis D is still developing but shows promise.
However, treatment is not enough. WHO stresses that better outcomes depend on broader action, including vaccination, harm reduction, and integration of hepatitis services into national healthcare systems.
Progress Seen, But Gaps Remain
Recent data show signs of progress:
- In 2025, the number of countries with national hepatitis plans rose to 123, up from 59.
- As of 2025, 129 countries test pregnant women for hepatitis B, compared to 106 in 2024.
- 147 countries now give newborns the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, up from 138 in 2022.
Still, critical gaps persist, according to WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report:
- By 2022, only 13% of people with hepatitis B and 36% with hepatitis C had been diagnosed.
- Treatment coverage is low: just 3% for hepatitis B and 20% for hepatitis C.
- Only 80 countries include hepatitis services in primary care.
- Just 27 countries have added hepatitis C care to harm reduction programs.
WHO warns that the world is far behind its 2025 goals of diagnosing 60% and treating 50% of people with hepatitis. Without urgent action, the 2030 elimination targets will not be met.
Meeting those goals could prevent 9.8 million new infections and save 2.8 million lives.
New Partnerships Aim to Break Barriers
To raise awareness on World Hepatitis Day, WHO has partnered with Rotary International and the World Hepatitis Alliance. Their campaign, titled “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” highlights the growing threat of liver cancer caused by chronic hepatitis infections.
The campaign also focuses on removing key barriers—such as stigma, underfunding, and poor access to care—that hinder progress.
Together, the groups are hosting a global webinar and organizing outreach events to encourage governments, civil society, and communities to join forces and drive change.
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