World Hepatitis Day 2024: It’s Time for Action

Now is the time to act decisively to eliminate hepatitis. This World Hepatitis Day, “It’s Time for Action”, urges WHO’s campaign. On 28 July this year, WHO is calling on governments and communities to intensify efforts to combat hepatitis, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

Hepatitis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The hepatitis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is significant. According to the latest WHO estimates:

About 18 million

people in the Region were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022

About 12 million

had chronic hepatitis C infection

97 000 deaths

in the Region resulted from these virus strains that same year

Part of the problem is that the Region has low rates of hepatitis diagnosis and treatment – for hepatitis B especially. Only 14% of people with hepatitis B in the Region know that they have it, and just 2% of the estimated 15 million cases are receiving treatment. The figures for hepatitis C are slightly better: 48% of cases are diagnosed, while 37% of the total estimated cases are being treated.

It's time for action

Treatment can help people with hepatitis to live the healthiest life possible. Diagnosis is important so that people can access the treatment they need. People who know they have hepatitis can also take precautions to prevent passing on the virus to others.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C by WHO region, 2022

Progress towards hepatitis elimination

Egypt is the first country globally to achieve “gold tier” status on the path to elimination of hepatitis C, as per WHO criteria. The country serves as an inspiring example to others of what can be done to address hepatitis in the Region, despite the challenges.

Egypt had one of the highest rates of hepatitis C in the world. Today it has among the lowest, having reduced hepatitis C prevalence from 10% to 0.38% in just over a decade.

The country made remarkable progress to eliminate hepatitis C through strong government commitment and a thorough approach combining mass screening and affordable treatment. From 2016 to 2020, Egypt ran a nationwide campaign that screened 60 million people. All 4.1 million people who tested positive for hepatitis C were treated.

Regional Director's message

In 2022, there were an estimated 15 million hepatitis B and 12 million hepatitis C infections in the Region, leading to 97 000 deaths. The global community has committed to ending viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030. Yet in 2022, only 48% of people with chronic hepatitis C in our Region were diagnosed, and just 37% received the necessary treatment. And a mere 14% of people with hepatitis B were diagnosed, and only 2% are undergoing treatment.

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