Africa: Efforts to Eliminate Hepatitis Delivers Gains but More Action Needed to Meet 2030 Targets

Global Hepatitis Progress Stalls as 1.34 Million Die in 2024, WHO Report Warns

A new World Health Organization (WHO) report released at the World Hepatitis Summit reveals both significant strides and persistent gaps in the global fight against viral hepatitis. While new infections and deaths have declined since 2015, the disease still claimed 1.34 million lives in 2024, according to the 2026 Global Hepatitis Report.

The report highlights measurable progress: the annual number of new hepatitis B infections has dropped by 32% since 2015, and hepatitis C-related deaths have fallen by 12% globally. Hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has also decreased to 0.6%, with 85 countries now achieving or surpassing the WHO's 2030 target of 0.1% prevalence in this age group.

Despite these gains, the WHO warns that progress is too slow and uneven. "Around the world, countries are showing that eliminating hepatitis is not a pipedream, it's possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "At the same time, this report shows that progress is too slow and uneven. Many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems and inequitable access to care."

High-Burden Countries Face Persistent Mortality

Nigeria has been ranked among the 10 countries responsible for nearly 70% of global deaths related to hepatitis B, according to the WHO report. The 10 countries—Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, and Vietnam—account for 69% of hepatitis B deaths worldwide. Additionally, Nigeria was listed among another group of 10 nations responsible for 58% of global hepatitis C cases.

The report estimates that 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024, with liver cirrhosis and cancer cited as the primary causes of death. While new infections have declined, mortality remains high due to limited access to diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

African Region Lags in Newborn Vaccination

In the African region, only 17% of newborns receive the critical hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination, a key intervention to prevent mother-to-child transmission. This low coverage contributes to the region's disproportionate burden of the disease, the report notes.

Key Claims in the Report

• 1.34 million deaths in 2024 from viral hepatitis B and C.
• 32% drop in new hepatitis B infections since 2015.
• 12% decline in hepatitis C-related deaths globally.
• 0.6% prevalence of hepatitis B among children under five, with 85 countries meeting the 2030 target.
• 287 million people living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024.
• 0.9 million new hepatitis B infections and 0.9 million new hepatitis C infections in 2024.
• 44% of new hepatitis C infections occur among people who inject drugs.
• 10 countries account for 69% of hepatitis B deaths and 58% of hepatitis C cases.
• Only 17% of newborns in the African region receive the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine.

Uneven Progress and Urgent Need for Scale-Up

The WHO report emphasizes that while elimination is feasible with existing tools, current rates of progress are insufficient to meet all 2030 targets. "Many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and inequitable access to care," Dr Tedros said. "Urgent scale-up of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is needed if the world is to meet the 2030 targets."

The report calls for sustained political commitment, reliable domestic financing, and expanded access to testing and treatment, especially in high-burden countries. It also underscores the need to strengthen health systems and address stigma to ensure that vulnerable populations, including people who inject drugs, receive the care they need.

As the world reviews progress toward the 2030 elimination goals, the WHO's latest data serves as both a marker of achievement and a call to action. While the decline in new infections and childhood prevalence demonstrates that progress is possible, the high death toll and persistent gaps in access highlight the work that remains.