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World Hepatitis Day, celebrated on 28 July each year, gives us the opportunity to take stock on the global efforts towards hepatitis elimination and to spotlight its escalating burden. Viral Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) pose severe health risks, causing liver damage, cancer, and death if left untreated. With over 300 million individuals worldwide living with hepatitis and an alarming 6,000 new infections occurring daily, the disease claims 1.3 million lives annually, making it one of the leading causes of death from communicable diseases, second only to COVID-19.
The global neglect of hepatitis elimination
Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, the global response to hepatitis elimination has been grossly inadequate. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that only USD 500 million is invested annually in hepatitis elimination, a figure dwarfed by the USD 3.3 billion allocated to malaria, despite similar disease burdens and lower mortality rates for malaria.
Scientific advancements have provided us with the tools to eliminate hepatitis. A vaccine for HBV and a cure for HCV have been available since 2014. Yet, these breakthroughs are clearly not enough. Way too many people continue to live with hepatitis and 3,500 people die every day from it, mainly in low and middle-income countries such as India, Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan.
According to the latest WHO report, despite improved diagnostic and treatment tools and decreasing product prices, testing and treatment coverage rates have plateaued. Viral hepatitis accounts for nearly eight times as many prevalent infections as HIV, yet the funding for hepatitis response is less than one-tenth of that for HIV.
The hepatitis response exemplifies the gap between scientific capability and policy implementation. Despite having the means to end the epidemic, decision-makers lack the vision and financial support to enact these solutions effectively.
The situation in Asia
Asia bears a disproportionate burden of hepatitis, with the region accounting for a substantial percentage of global hepatitis cases and deaths. Almost 20% of the global HCV infections occur in the South-East Asia Region. Even more alarmingly, almost 70% of the global deaths from HBV occur in the Asia Pacific region (47% in the Western Pacific Region and 20% in the Southeast Asia Region). A rapid scale-up of treatment is imperative in this region to prevent numerous HBV–related cancer cases and deaths, despite the success of vaccination and prevention efforts. The high prevalence of hepatitis in Asia can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate vaccination coverage, unsafe medical practices, lack of awareness, and socio-economic disparities.
Reaching the missing ones
While hepatitis can affect anyone, it hits disproportionately the communities and individuals most underserved by health systems. Barriers include limited healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, the high cost of treatment, and stigma and discrimination. While progress is being made, such as WHO’s recent prequalification of a self-test for HCV, there is more to do. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is essential to eliminate hepatitis and uphold the fundamental human right to health.
Healthy mothers, healthy babies
Maternal and child healthcare is critical in addressing the hepatitis crisis. HBV and HCV can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, resulting in 250,000 babies born with Hepatitis B each year. Nine out of ten of these children will develop chronic illnesses like liver cirrhosis and cancer, increasing their risk of early death.
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, access remains unequal. High-income countries have widespread access to vaccines and treatments, while low- and middle-income countries face significant gaps. Additionally, 80% of infected individuals are unaware of their status, perpetuating the cycle of transmission.
At The Hepatitis Fund, some of the current grants focus on maternal and child healthcare, awareness campaigns targeting pregnant women, decentralising service delivery, and integrating hepatitis care with other diseases such as HIV. However, we need allies and visionary funders to join in investing in timely vaccination, education, and strengthening healthcare systems.
Join the mission
Achieving a world free of hepatitis is within our grasp, but that requires a concerted effort, especially in regions like Asia where the burden is highest. Public-private partnerships and external catalytic funding are essential to this effort. We call on philanthropists, foundations, and leaders to take meaningful steps towards a world free from hepatitis. For more information on The Hepatitis Fund’s and how to support its mission, please contact the Deputy Director and Fundraising Manager, Ms Benedetta Nirta.
