According to the latest report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), India ranked second globally in the number of cases of hepatitis B and C in 2022, following China. The report highlights that India recorded a staggering 3.5 crore infections of hepatitis B and C combined, underscoring the significant health burden posed by these viral infections in the country.
Hepatitis, characterized by liver inflammation, poses serious health risks and can potentially lead to fatal outcomes if left untreated. The WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, published on Tuesday, revealed that globally, a staggering 254 million individuals were living with hepatitis B, while 50 million were affected by hepatitis C in 2022.
In India, the prevalence of hepatitis B was particularly high, with 2.98 crore reported cases in 2022, while hepatitis C infections stood at 55 lakh. China, leading the global tally, reported a staggering 8.3 crore cases of hepatitis B and C combined, accounting for 27.5% of the total disease burden worldwide.
India’s significant contribution to the global burden of hepatitis, accounting for 11.6% of the total disease burden in 2022 with 3.5 crore cases, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies to combat the spread of these infections.
The hepatitis virus encompasses five main strains, classified as types A, B, C, D, and E, each presenting unique characteristics in terms of transmission, severity, geographical distribution, and prevention methods. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of hepatitis on public health in India and around the world.
