GLOBAL HEPATITIS REPORT 2024Â
The recently released Global Hepatitis Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on India’s significant burden of viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C infections. Â
India’s Hepatitis Burden:Â
Prevalence in India:Â
- India bears one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis globally.Â
- Approximately 2.9 crore people in India are living with Hepatitis B infection, and 0.55 crore with Hepatitis C infection.Â
- In 2022, over 50,000 new cases of Hepatitis B and 1.4 lakh new cases of Hepatitis C were reported in India.Â
- Viral hepatitis infections claimed the lives of 1.23 lakh individuals in India in 2022.Â
Drivers of Hepatitis Infections in India:Â
- Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through various means, including mother-to-child transmission, unsafe blood transfusions, contact with infected blood, and needle-sharing among drug users.Â
- Despite improvements in blood safety protocols, mother-to-child transmission remains a significant mode of Hepatitis B infection in India.Â
Diagnosis and Treatment Coverage:Â
- Only 2.4% of Hepatitis B cases and 28% of Hepatitis C cases in India are diagnosed.Â
- Treatment coverage is notably low, with 0% coverage for Hepatitis B and 21% for Hepatitis C, despite the availability of affordable generic medicines.Â
Barriers to Improving Hepatitis Outcomes:Â
- Limited reach and utilization of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program in India.Â
- Expansion of access to affordable diagnostics and treatment services under the program is essential.Â
- Treating all diagnosed individuals, irrespective of disease stage, is crucial to reduce health consequences and transmission.Â
Global Trends:Â
Mortality Trends:Â
- Viral hepatitis caused an estimated 1.3 million deaths globally in 2022, equivalent to tuberculosis-related deaths.Â
- Hepatitis B accounted for 83% of these deaths, while Hepatitis C accounted for 17%.Â
- The increase in mortality suggests a rise in hepatitis-related liver cancer cases and deaths.Â
Prevalence:Â
- Globally, approximately 304 million people were living with hepatitis B and C in 2022.Â
- WHO estimates indicate that 254 million people lived with hepatitis B, and 50 million with hepatitis C in the same year.Â
- Children bear 12% of the burden, particularly for hepatitis B infections.Â
Barriers to Scaling Up Testing and Treatment:Â
- Limited funding and centralized services have hindered the scaling up of testing services globally.Â
- Many countries struggle to procure hepatitis medicines at affordable generic prices, resulting in high costs.Â
- Patent-related barriers pose challenges to accessing affordable hepatitis C medicines in some countries.Â
About HepatitisÂ
Hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by infectious viruses or non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health complications, including liver cirrhosis and cancer. Â
Types and CharacteristicsÂ
Viral Strains:Â
- Hepatitis is classified into five main viral strains: A, B, C, D, and E.Â
- Each strain varies in transmission routes, severity, geographical distribution, and prevention methods.Â
- Types B and C are predominant causes of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis-related deaths globally.Â

India’s InitiativesÂ
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program:Â
- Aims to reduce hepatitis prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.Â
National Health Mission:Â
- Supports the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program by enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services across India.Â
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):Â
- Focuses on vaccinating children against hepatitis B to prevent transmission and reduce the disease burden in India.Â
Global EffortsÂ
World Hepatitis Day:Â
- An annual observance on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, promote prevention, and encourage testing and treatment.Â
WHO Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030:Â
- A global initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive strategies, including vaccination, testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns.Â
Mains Question:Â
- Discuss the key findings of the Global Hepatitis Report 2024, and the significance of national and global initiatives in combating this public health challenge. (150 WORDS)