India is among the top ten nations accounting for 69 per cent of global hepatitis B deaths. Furthermore, India ranks as a primary contributor to the 58 per cent of global hepatitis C fatalities recorded during the 2024 calendar year, says the World Health Organisation’s 2026 report.
Viral hepatitis B and C remain the two most dangerous infections, causing approximately 95 per cent of all hepatitis-related deaths throughout the world . These specific viruses claimed an estimated 1.34 million lives in 2024 while transmission rates continued to stay high with 4,900 new daily infections. Consequently, the global medical community faces a staggering 1.8 million new cases every year as these infections spread rapidly through various vulnerable populations.
Understanding the Geographical Impact
The report identifies ten specific countries, including India, China, and Nigeria, which represent the vast majority of hepatitis B deaths seen globally in 2024. While hepatitis B deaths are concentrated in these nations, hepatitis C-related fatalities appear much more geographically dispersed across different regions and continents. Moreover, ten major countries like the US, Russia, and India accounted for over half of all global total infections regarding the hepatitis C virus.
Ten countries – Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and Viet Nam – accounted for 69% of hepatitis B related deaths worldwide in 2024. Hepatitis C-related deaths are more geographically dispersed. In 2024, ten countries accounted for 58% of the global total: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, South Africa, the United States of America and Viet Nam.
Analysis: The Critical Treatment Gap
In 2024, approximately 240 million people lived with chronic hepatitis B infections, representing nearly 2.9 per cent of the entire global human population. Despite half of these individuals being eligible for life-saving treatment under WHO guidelines, fewer than 5 per cent actually received the necessary medical care. Similarly, treatment coverage for the 68 million people living with hepatitis C reached only 20 per cent by the end of 2024 . This disparity suggests that while medical tools exist, weak health systems and social stigma continue to prevent millions from accessing essential diagnostic services.
Voices from the WHO
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that eliminating hepatitis is possible with sustained political commitment and reliable domestic financing from participating global governments. However, he warned that current progress remains too slow and uneven to meet the ambitious 2030 targets for public health and disease elimination. Therefore, countries must urgently scale up their prevention and treatment protocols to protect their citizens from the long-term risks of liver cancer.
Q&A: Understanding the Viral Threat
Q: Can a person spread hepatitis even if they do not feel sick?
A: Yes, individuals can spread the virus to others even if they are not currently experiencing symptoms or feeling physically ill themselves.
Q: Which types of hepatitis are most responsible for worldwide deaths?
A: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are responsible for approximately 95 per cent of all hepatitis-related deaths across the globe.
FAQ: Common Questions About the WHO Report
How many lives did viral hepatitis claim in 2024?
The viruses claimed a total of 1.34 million lives while new infections continued at a rate of 1.8 million per year .
What are the long-term risks of untreated hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a serious liver disease that can eventually lead to severe liver damage and the development of liver cancer .
What is the global target for eliminating hepatitis?
The World Health Organisation aims to eliminate hepatitis as a significant public health threat by the designated target year of 2030 .
