World Hepatitis Day 2025: WHO Urges Nations to Act Against Liver Disease Crisis

On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded a clear and urgent call to governments, partners, and civil society to step up efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health threat. With a viral hepatitis-related death occurring every 30 seconds globally, WHO is emphasizing the dire need for enhanced screening, treatment access, and integrated health services to reduce the burden of liver disease and liver cancer.

“Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer. Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Viral hepatitis includes five distinct types — A, B, C, D, and E — all of which can cause acute liver infections. However, hepatitis B, C, and D are of most concern due to their ability to cause chronic infections, cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Together, these three types affect more than 300 million people worldwide and are responsible for over 1.3 million deaths annually, highlighting an urgent global health crisis.

Hepatitis D Declared Carcinogenic: A Major Health Alert

In a major development, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has officially classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, joining hepatitis B and C in its cancer-causing status. This virus, which only affects individuals already infected with hepatitis B, increases the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared to hepatitis B alone.

“WHO has published new guidelines on the testing and diagnosis of Hepatitis B and D in 2024 and is actively tracking the results from new and emerging treatments for hepatitis D,” said Dr Meg Doherty, WHO’s incoming Director of Science for Health.

The reclassification is expected to heighten global awareness and spur national governments to scale up screening and treatment services, especially for those most at risk.

Treatment Progress and Gaps in Service Coverage

Breakthroughs in treatment offer hope: hepatitis C can now be cured with oral medications in just 2–3 months, while hepatitis B can be effectively controlled with life-long antiviral therapy. Treatment options for hepatitis D are advancing but remain limited. WHO emphasizes that these medical advances must be accompanied by integrated healthcare services that combine vaccination, testing, harm reduction, and therapeutic access under national health strategies.

However, progress remains uneven and inadequate. The 2024 Global Hepatitis Report reveals stark statistics:

• Only 13% of people with hepatitis B and 36% with hepatitis C had been diagnosed as of 2022.

• Even fewer received treatment: 3% for hepatitis B and 20% for hepatitis C.

• These figures are far below WHO’s 2025 targets of 60% diagnosed and 50% treated.

Policy Gains and Country-Level Progress

There are encouraging signs at the policy level, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs):

• The number of countries with national hepatitis action plans increased from 59 in 2024 to 123 in 2025.

• 129 countries have now adopted hepatitis B screening protocols for pregnant women, a crucial step to prevent mother-to-child transmission — up from 106 in 2024.

• 147 countries have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, compared to 138 in 2022.

While these advances are noteworthy, service coverage and integration remain patchy. For instance:

• Only 80 countries have embedded hepatitis services in primary healthcare.

• 128 countries include them within HIV programs.

• Just 27 countries have incorporated hepatitis C services into harm reduction centers, despite high prevalence among people who inject drugs.

Path to 2030: Lives at Stake Without Accelerated Action

According to WHO, achieving the 2030 hepatitis elimination targets would:

• Prevent 9.8 million new infections

• Save 2.8 million lives

However, to meet these ambitious goals, nations must:

• Scale up testing and treatment

• Invest in data systems and community-based delivery

• Ensure affordability of diagnostics and medicines

• Combat stigma and discrimination

• Mobilize domestic resources, especially in the face of declining international donor support

Strengthening Advocacy Through Partnerships

In line with this year’s campaign theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” WHO has partnered with Rotary International and the World Hepatitis Alliance to amplify global and local action. A joint webinar and coordinated outreach campaigns were held to highlight community-led solutions and the role of civil society in sustaining momentum.

The campaign urges governments and the global health community to break down systemic barriers such as:

• Persistent stigma faced by those living with hepatitis

• Funding shortfalls hampering testing and treatment access

• Fragmented services that fail to reach the most vulnerable populations

Global Voices Call for Urgent Action

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

“We must act now to close the gaps in testing and treatment, and ensure that everyone has access to lifesaving care. The tools are in our hands.”

Dr Meg Doherty, WHO Science Director (incoming)

“New diagnostics and medicines must be accessible to those who need them most. We are actively tracking innovative therapies for hepatitis D.”

Rotary International & World Hepatitis Alliance

“Community advocacy is key to breaking the chain of infection and pushing governments to act.”

Time to Break the Chain

Viral hepatitis is one of the few diseases with known prevention, treatment, and cure options, yet its burden continues due to underinvestment, weak health systems, and limited awareness. WHO’s renewed call to action on World Hepatitis Day 2025 is a reminder that time is running out to meet global targets. With political will, integrated services, and community-driven solutions, the world can reverse the tide — and end hepatitis for good.