WHO report indicates global progress against viral hepatitis is insufficient for 2030 elimination targets
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The World Health Organization's Global Hepatitis Report 2026 reveals that while global progress against viral hepatitis is improving, it remains inadequate to meet the 2030 elimination targets. In 2024, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, which cause 95 percent of hepatitis-related deaths, led to 1.34 million deaths globally, with 1.1 million linked to HBV and 240,000 to HCV infections, primarily due to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Approximately 1.8 million new infections were recorded in 2024, with 900,000 cases each for HBV and HCV. As of 2024, about 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis infections worldwide. Since 2015, there has been a 32 percent decline in new hepatitis B infections due to improved immunization and prevention strategies, and a 12 percent reduction in HCV-related deaths, driven by access to effective antiviral treatment. The prevalence of chronic HBV among children under five decreased from 0.8 percent in 2015 to 0.6 percent in 2024, and the number of people living with HCV dropped by 20 percent due to expanded curative treatment programs. However, new HCV infections fell by only eight percent between 2015 and 2024, far below the 80 percent reduction target, and HBV-related deaths increased by 17 percent during the same period due to gaps in diagnosis and treatment. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that eliminating hepatitis is achievable with sustained political will and adequate funding. The report emphasizes th
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Must ReadThe Christian Association of Nigeria CAN declared a nationwide Black Sunday to honor victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated that the observance aimed to mourn those affected by violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. The association emphasized that the nation is bleeding and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost. Coinciding with Democracy Day, CAN highlighted that security is central to Nigeria鈥檚 democratic journey, as democracy is founded on the sanctity of human life and the protection of citizens. The Christian body expressed solidarity with bereaved families and victims, praying for comfort and justice. CAN urged all levels of government to take urgent and sustained measures to address security challenges, emphasizing that protecting citizens is a sacred responsibility. Churches and faith-based organizations were advised to strengthen security measures, enhance awareness, and collaborate with local security networks. CAN encouraged Nigerians to remain united in pursuit of peace, justice, and national healing, and to continue praying for the nation and supporting affected communities.
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