On World Hepatitis Day two days ago, the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region warned that millions are still being left behind by barriers to hepatitis care, with nearly 97,000 deaths in the Region in 2024 alone.
This year’s theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” calls for dismantling obstacles of cost, stigma, and unequal access that prevent people from getting lifesaving prevention, testing, and treatment.
According to WHO’s Global Hepatitis Report 2026, an estimated 16 million people in the Eastern Mediterranean Region were living with hepatitis B in 2024, and 12 million with hepatitis C.
Despite progress since 2015, including a 28% drop in new hepatitis C infections thanks to Egypt’s national elimination campaign and strong efforts in Morocco, Pakistan and others, the Region still accounts for about one-quarter of all hepatitis C infections worldwide.
Hepatitis B prevalence in children under 5 has also declined due to strong immunization programs. But major gaps remain.
WHO data shows only 44% of people with hepatitis C in the Region have been diagnosed, and just 31% are receiving treatment.
For hepatitis B, the situation is worse, with less than 2% of those who need treatment are actually getting it.
Prevention gaps are also holding the Region back. Unsafe medical injections account for around 14% of new hepatitis C infections in some countries. And hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination coverage sits at only 42% — a critical missed opportunity to stop mother-to-child transmission.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy said communities and civil society must be central to the response.
“Communities and civil society are at the heart of the response. They reduce stigma, raise awareness, reach underserved populations and work alongside ministries of health to ensure no one is left behind,” Dr. Balkhy said.
She urged countries to integrate hepatitis services into broader health systems, expand testing and diagnostics, and strengthen vaccination and prevention programs.
“World Hepatitis Day reminds us that eliminating hepatitis depends on equitable access to services. It is essential we break down barriers to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can access the services needed to prevent infection and receive timely diagnosis and treatment,” she added.
“By breaking down the barriers that remain, together we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.”
With 2030 approaching, WHO is calling for stronger political commitment and sustained investment to meet its targets: a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% reduction in deaths.
WHO stressed that progress on testing, treatment, and prevention has strengthened health systems overall, but gains will be lost without continued funding and partnership.
“By breaking down the barriers that remain, expanding access to prevention, testing, treatment and care and ensuring that no community is left behind, we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and create a healthier future,” the agency said.
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