Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Viral hepatitis B and C caused an estimated 1.34 million deaths globally in 2024 and continue to spread at a rate of about 1.8 million new infections annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These viruses account for 95% of all hepatitis-related deaths worldwide.
The 2026 Global Hepatitis Report documents progress since 2015, including a 32% decline in new hepatitis B infections and a 12% reduction in hepatitis C-related deaths. The prevalence of hepatitis B among children under five has fallen to 0.6%, with 85 countries reaching or exceeding the 2030 target of reducing prevalence to 0.1%.
Despite these gains, the WHO states that infection and treatment levels are still insufficient to achieve all 2030 elimination targets. The African Region accounts for 68% of new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17% of newborns there received a hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, which is critical for preventing chronic infections and related liver diseases.
Hepatitis C transmission remains high among people who inject drugs, accounting for 44% of new infections. This underlines the need for enhanced harm reduction and safer injection practices.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that eliminating hepatitis is achievable, but urgent expansion of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment programs is required. Stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care continue to hinder progress.