On World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action from countries in the South-East Asia Region to enhance access to prevention, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C. Despite being preventable and treatable, these chronic infections are increasingly leading to severe illness and fatalities, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure, according to a WHO press release.
Liver cancer: fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths
Liver cancer has become the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the region and the second most common cause among men. The press release notes that nearly 75% of liver cirrhosis cases are attributable to hepatitis B and C. In 2022, the South-East Asia Region had approximately 70.5 million people living with these viral infections. Without intervention, liver cancer rates are expected to double by 2050, resulting in over 200,000 deaths annually.
“We possess the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis, yet many individuals with chronic hepatitis B and C still lack access to essential services. There is an urgent need to accelerate efforts to provide equitable services closer to communities, particularly at the primary health care level,” said Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, on World Hepatitis Day. The theme for this year is “It’s Time for Action.”
Globally, hepatitis B and C cause approximately 3,500 deaths daily, with 6,000 new infections occurring each day. The WHO estimates that 254 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and antiviral drugs, many people remain undiagnosed, and treatment rates are critically low.
Viral Hepatitis
In 2022, viral hepatitis accounted for about 1.3 million deaths, comparable to the number of deaths caused by tuberculosis. Both viral hepatitis and tuberculosis were the second leading causes of death among communicable diseases that year, following COVID-19.
The South-East Asia Region’s coverage of hepatitis B and C testing and treatment remains inadequate. Only 2.8% of people with hepatitis B were diagnosed in 2022, with 3.5% receiving treatment. For hepatitis C, diagnosis and treatment rates were 26% and 14%, respectively.
“Hepatitis B can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines, and antiviral drugs are highly effective in managing chronic hepatitis B and curing most cases of hepatitis C. However, much more needs to be done to ensure these life-saving interventions reach everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances,” Wazed emphasized.
Viral hepatitis affects the general population as well as specific high-risk groups, including individuals with unsafe blood transfusions, unsafe medical practices, newborns at risk of mother-to-child transmission, indigenous and mobile populations, and key populations such as people who inject drugs, those in prisons, and sex workers.
To address this issue effectively, access to hepatitis testing and treatment must be expanded beyond major hospitals to include primary health care facilities and general practitioners within communities. Integrating these services into universal health coverage is essential.
Investment in viral hepatitis interventions has shown a promising return, with estimates suggesting a return of USD 2–3 for every dollar invested. This investment is crucial to reversing rising mortality rates and mitigating future cancer treatment costs.
“Viral hepatitis represents a significant public health challenge this decade. With a robust public health approach and leveraging investments in universal health coverage, the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 is within reach,” stated Wazed. “We have a collective responsibility to save lives today and safeguard the health of future generations. It’s time for action.”
