Monday, July 28, 2025
As we mark World Hepatitis Day, WHO emphasizes the urgent need to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat, with a focus on reducing liver cancer deaths. Viral hepatitis, including types A, B, C, D, and E, are major causes of liver disease, with types B, C, and D leading to chronic infections that significantly increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. WHO highlights the importance of reducing hepatitis-related severe liver disease and liver cancer, noting that 300 million people globally are affected, with over 1.3 million deaths annually. The IARC classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic, linking it to a two-to-six-fold higher risk of liver cancer than hepatitis B alone. WHO has published guidelines on testing and diagnosis for hepatitis B and D in 2024, and is actively monitoring clinical outcomes for hepatitis D. Treatment options for hepatitis C are effective, while hepatitis D treatment is evolving. However, to achieve WHO's 2030 targets, countries must scale up hepatitis services like vaccination, testing, harm reduction, and treatment into national systems. The Global Hepatitis Report highlights critical gaps in coverage and outcomes. Countries must prioritize domestic investment, integrated services, data, affordable medicines, and stigma reduction. WHO is partnering with Rotary International and the World Hepatitis Alliance to strengthen advocacy, and the campaign "Hepatitis: Let’s break it down" urges action against liver cancer linked to chronic hepatitis.
Reference: WHO urges action on hepatitis, announcing hepatitis D as carcinogenicLabels: WHO
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