Viral hepatitis poses a universal challenge, demanding our immediate attention and priority.
Hepatitis is dangerous, acting as a silent killer that often goes unnoticed.
Many individuals do not display precise and evident symptoms, leading to undiagnosed cases and continued virus transmission. Only a minimal percentage, around 9% of people with hepatitis B and 20% with hepatitis C, are aware of their conditions.
Furthermore, a disturbingly low number of diagnosed individuals receive the necessary treatment. Without proper care, the virus can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other potentially fatal conditions.
Hepatitis caused approximately 1.34 million deaths worldwide in 2015, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This mortality rate is similar to that of tuberculosis and higher than that of HIV today, and it is currently on the rise. It is estimated that 257 million people are living with hepatitis B, and 71 million people with hepatitis C globally.
The good news is that over 95% of people with hepatitis C can be completely cured within a period of two to three months. However, in order for them to be directed to the appropriate treatment, these individuals need to be found. It is important for diagnosis to occur before symptoms manifest, as by that time, the liver may have suffered irreversible damage, leading to liver cancer and even death.
To win this battle and prevent millions of deaths every year, we need the involvement of as many people as possible in various parts of the world. Together, we can eradicate viral hepatitis globally.