Shocking Revelation: Thousands Succumb to Hepatitis Daily, WHO Report Claims

Summary:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, a staggering 6,000 people are infected with hepatitis every day worldwide. The estimated number of deaths due to viral hepatitis has risen from 11 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2022, as per data from 187 countries. Among these fatalities, 83% are attributed to hepatitis B, while 17% are caused by hepatitis C.

Context:
The “Global Hepatitis Report 2024” presents alarming statistics, revealing hepatitis as the second leading cause of mortality from infectious diseases globally.

Responsible for 13 million deaths annually, this disease falls into the category of infectious ailments like tuberculosis, considered a significant contributor to mortality.

Expert Insights:

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the concerning picture painted by this report. Despite global efforts to combat hepatitis, mortality rates continue to rise.

This trend is largely due to inadequate diagnosis and treatment accessibility for hepatitis patients.

Challenges and Progress:
While advancements have been made in diagnosis and treatment tools, coverage remains insufficient. Only a fraction of those affected receive proper diagnosis or antiviral therapy, falling far short of the global target for treating hepatitis B and C by 2030.

Regional Disparities:
The report highlights significant regional variations in hepatitis burden and management. In Africa, nearly 63% of new hepatitis B infections occur, yet only 18% of newborns receive vaccination. Similarly, in the Western Pacific region where hepatitis B accounts for 47% of deaths, treatment coverage among diagnosed individuals is a mere 23%, insufficient for reducing mortality rates effectively.

Towards Eradication:
The WHO’s report outlines a roadmap for tackling viral hepatitis, aiming for its eradication by 2030.

• This strategy involves expanding access to testing and diagnosis, strengthening primary prevention efforts, and implementing policies for equitable access to treatment.

This report underscores the urgent need for concerted global action to curb the hepatitis epidemic and prevent thousands of needless deaths each day.’

Happy reading!