Viral hepatitis continues to be a major global health issue, with more than 6,000 people getting infected every day, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, which was released at the World Hepatitis Summit in Lisbon, highlights the lack of progress in combating the disease.
The analysis, which covers 187 countries, assesses the burden of viral hepatitis and tracks the world’s progress towards eliminating it. While heavy alcohol use and certain medications can cause hepatitis, it can also be triggered by a virus that leads to liver inflammation, jaundice, fever, and other symptoms. Vaccination can prevent some types of hepatitis, but the long-term diseases hepatitis B and C are major contributors to global deaths caused by the disease.
Disturbingly, the report reveals that deaths from viral hepatitis are increasing, making it the second-leading cause of death among non-COVID communicable diseases worldwide. In 2022 alone, viral hepatitis caused 1.3 million deaths globally, up from 1.1 million in 2019. Although new cases declined during that period, the report stresses that the world is falling off-track in achieving the WHO’s goal of reducing new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030.
Alarmingly, two-thirds of the global burden of viral hepatitis falls on just ten countries: China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Russia. The report attributes these disparities to inequities in primary care, medication availability, testing, and vaccination.
The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed concern over the rising deaths, stating, “despite progress globally in preventing hepatitis infections, deaths are rising because far too few people with hepatitis are being diagnosed and treated.” This highlights the urgent need for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.
The report also identifies funding challenges that might further hinder progress in combating viral hepatitis. However, the WHO suggests that an expanded public health approach, ensuring equitable access to hepatitis interventions, might help get the world back on track and eliminate the disease by the end of the decade.
Moving forward, it is crucial for governments, international organizations, and healthcare providers to prioritize efforts in diagnosing and treating hepatitis. This requires increased awareness campaigns, improved access to testing and affordable medications, and efficient vaccination programs. Collaboration between countries and sharing of best practices can offer solutions to address the burden of viral hepatitis.
The implications of the report extend beyond the realm of healthcare alone. Viral hepatitis has far-reaching socio-economic consequences, exacerbating inequalities and hindering economic development in affected countries. Failing to tackle this disease not only threatens individuals’ health but also undermines global efforts to achieve sustainable development.
In our current global scenario, where the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems worldwide, addressing viral hepatitis becomes even more critical. The experience gained from dealing with COVID-19 can be leveraged to develop robust strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing viral hepatitis. Integration of viral hepatitis services into existing healthcare infrastructure is essential to ensure the continuity of care.
As we look to the future, emerging trends in technology, such as telemedicine and digital health solutions, present opportunities to improve access to hepatitis services in remote areas and enable early detection. Collaboration with pharmaceutical companies is also crucial in reducing the cost of medications and making them more accessible to those in need.
In conclusion, viral hepatitis continues to be a significant global health challenge, with escalating deaths and insufficient progress in combating the disease. The findings of the WHO report emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response. By addressing the disparities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods, the world can work towards eliminating viral hepatitis and securing a healthier future for all.
