WHO releases first handbook for hepatitis elimination action

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a landmark consolidated guidance and implementation handbook on hepatitis B and C, aimed at assisting countries in expanding prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery, and program monitoring through a comprehensive public health approach.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO's first Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis, this handbook consolidates over a decade of WHO evidence-based recommendations on viral hepatitis into a single, practical reference for program managers, policymakers, clinicians, donors, and partners. It offers clear operational guidance in one location to translate normative recommendations into actionable steps. Additionally, it supports the integration of hepatitis services within primary health care and universal health coverage frameworks.

Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 254 million people are living with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C. In 2022, hepatitis-related cirrhosis and liver cancer accounted for 1.3 million deaths—equivalent to more than 3,500 deaths each day—making hepatitis B and C among the leading infectious diseases globally, with increasing mortality rates. This highlights the urgent need for action and the necessity to expedite progress toward the 2030 goal of hepatitis elimination.

Despite the availability of highly effective tools for prevention, testing, and treatment—including a cure for hepatitis C, as well as a vaccine and effective treatment for hepatitis B—viral hepatitis continues to lead to significant preventable illness and death from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

“With this first-of-its-kind handbook, WHO is supporting countries to move from evidence-based recommendations to concrete action – reducing new hepatitis infections and combating rising mortality,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. “The handbook provides clear implementation pathways to expand equitable, person-centered hepatitis services at all levels of the health system. It is an essential resource for strengthening national responses and achieving the 2030 global target of hepatitis elimination.”

The handbook:

WHO is collaborating with countries and partners to promote the adoption of this new handbook, aiming to ensure equitable, integrated, and person-centered hepatitis services while accelerating progress towards elimination by 2030.