The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the rising death toll from the hepatitis virus, with approximately 3,500 people succumbing to the disease every day. This global crisis has prompted WHO to call for urgent action to combat the second-largest infectious killer worldwide.

Recent data from 187 countries revealed a troubling increase in hepatitis-related deaths, soaring from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022. Meg Doherty, the head of WHO’s global HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infection programs, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation during a press conference held in conjunction with the World Hepatitis Summit in Portugal.

The report highlighted that the majority of these deaths, 83 percent, are attributed to hepatitis B, with the remaining 17 percent linked to hepatitis C. Despite the availability of effective and affordable generic drugs for treatment, only a small fraction of individuals with chronic hepatitis B have received antiviral therapy by the end of 2022. Similarly, the treatment rate for Hepatitis C falls significantly short of the global target to treat 80 percent of all individuals living with chronic hepatitis B and C by 2030.

While there has been a slight decrease in the overall rate of hepatitis infections, the urgent need for expanded access to treatment and prevention measures remains paramount. It is crucial for global health efforts to prioritize combating hepatitis and ensuring that life-saving interventions reach those in need.

As the world grapples with the devastating impact of the hepatitis virus, it is imperative for governments, healthcare providers, and communities to work together in a concerted effort to curb the spread of this deadly disease and save lives. Let us join hands in the fight against hepatitis and strive towards a healthier, hepatitis-free future for all.