Global Hepatitis Report 2024 (WHO)
GS-2 Mains : Health
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question : Discuss the significance of the Global Hepatitis Report 2024 released by the WHO in addressing the global burden of viral hepatitis. What are the key aspects covered in the report, and how do they contribute to public health efforts worldwide?
Hepatitis Overview
- Inflammation of the liver from viruses or other causes.
- 5 main strains: A, B, C, D, E.
- B & C cause chronic illness, liver cirrhosis, cancer, and death.
Report Summary
- First consolidated WHO report on viral hepatitis.
- Data from 187 countries on disease burden, service coverage, and product access.
- Updates progress on access to hepatitis B & C treatment in low- and middle-income countries (38 countries, 80% of global infections).
Key Findings
- 254 million with hepatitis B, 50 million with hepatitis C globally (2022).
- Estimated deaths from viral hepatitis increased from 1.1 million (2019) to 1.3 million (2022).
- 83% from hepatitis B, 17% from hepatitis C.
- 3500 people die globally every day from hepatitis B & C.
- Top 10 countries carry nearly two-thirds of the global burden:
- Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Vietnam.
- India: second-highest number of cases (3.5 crore, 11.6% global burden).
Concerns
- Despite progress, deaths are rising due to under-diagnosis and treatment.
- Hepatitis B & C is the second leading infectious cause of death globally (1.3 million deaths annually).
- Pricing disparities for hepatitis B & C drugs persist.
- Centralized service delivery and out-of-pocket expenses create barriers to care.
- Insufficient funding for viral hepatitis globally and nationally.
Recommendations
- Expand access to testing and diagnostics.
- Implement equitable treatment policies.
- Strengthen primary care prevention efforts.
- Improve data collection and use.
- Engage communities and civil society.
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