WASHINGTON, CMC – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging the Caribbean and other countries to expand access to testing and treatment for viral hepatitis, which affects more than ten million people in the Americas, only 23 percent of whom are diagnosed.
In a message released ahead of World Hepatitis Day on Sunday, PAHO said that from the five types of hepatitis, B, and C are responsible for most illnesses and deaths.
In the Americas, including the Caribbean, an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 people die each year from these diseases, with most symptoms appearing during the later stages once severe liver disease or cancer has already developed.
“Hepatitis B and C are silent chronic infections that can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The good news is that there are medications that can cure hepatitis C and effective treatments to control hepatitis B,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. “Strengthening our efforts and investment to end this public health problem is crucial.”
According to the World Health Organization’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, only 36 percent of people infected with hepatitis C globally are diagnosed, and 20 percent receive curative treatment. As for chronic hepatitis B, only 13 percent of those infected are diagnosed, and 2.6 percent receive life-saving medication.
PAHO said vaccination against hepatitis B, included in the immunization schedules of all countries and territories in the region, is helping to eliminate mother-to-child transmission during childbirth as a public health problem.
“This underscores the importance of continuing vaccination to prevent infection in new generations,” PAHO said.
Under the slogan “It’s time for action!” on this World Day, PAHO emphasized the urgency of accelerating measures to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
PAHO said it is collaborating with regional countries to design and implement national policies for eliminating hepatitis, with strategies focused on primary care.
It also facilitates access to diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines at more affordable prices through its Regional Revolving Funds.
PAHO said the global benchmark price for curative treatment of hepatitis C is US$60 per 12-week course, and for hepatitis B treatment, it is US$2.4 per month.
“World Hepatitis Day celebrated on July 28, is an opportunity to intensify the global fight against these diseases, promote action and participation of individuals, partners, and the public, and underscore the need for a stronger global response.”
The day is commemorated on July 28 to celebrate the birth of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1976 for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and his contribution to the invention of a diagnostic test and corresponding vaccine.
Hepatitis B and C, along with mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, are included in PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 infectious diseases and related conditions in the Americas by 2030.
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