The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarm over the rising cases of infections and deaths from viral hepatitis globally.
Citing the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, WHO explained on its website Tuesday that hepatitis is the second leading infectious disease with 1.3 million deaths per year, the same as tuberculosis, a top infectious killer.
New data from 187 countries show that the estimated number of deaths from viral hepatitis increased from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022.
“Of these, 83% were caused by hepatitis B, and 17% by hepatitis C. Every day, there are 3,500 people dying globally due to hepatitis B and C infections,” it noted.
According to the health organization, despite better tools for diagnosis and treatment, and decreasing product prices, testing and treatment coverage rates have stalled.
“However, reaching the WHO elimination goal by 2030 should still be achievable, if swift actions are taken now,” it noted.
(Premium Times NG)
