World Hepatitis Day: to eliminate viral hepatitis, the Eastern Mediterranean Region needs to close gaps in prevention, testing, treatment and care

28 July 2026, Cairo , Egypt - On World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region joins the global call to eliminate obstacles that stand between people and the hepatitis services that can save their lives. This year's theme, Hepatitis: Let's break it down, calls for the dismantling of barriers - whether associated with cost, stigma or unequal access - that continue to prevent millions of people from accessing lifesaving care.

Hepatitis, which can cause preventable illness, liver disease and cancer, remains a major public health challenge in the Region. According to the Global Hepatitis Report 2026, in 2024 an estimated 16 million people in the Region were living with hepatitis B and 12 million with hepatitis C, resulting in nearly 97 000 deaths.

Since 2015, new hepatitis C infections in the Region have fallen by 28% - driven by Egypt's national elimination campaign and strong efforts in Morocco, Pakistan and beyond. Hepatitis B prevalence among children under 5 has also declined as a result of strong immunization programmes.

Despite this progress, major challenges remain. The Region still accounts for around a quarter of the world's hepatitis C infections. According to the 2026 report, only 44% of people living with hepatitis C are being diagnosed, and just 31% receive treatment. For hepatitis B patients the figures are even more alarming: less than 2% receive the treatment they need.

In some countries in the Region unsafe medical injections account for around 14% of new hepatitis C infections. Low hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination coverage - 42% - also constitutes a major prevention gap.

Hepatitis programmes are strengthening health systems through improved testing and diagnostics and by integrating service delivery with other communicable diseases but sustained investment is needed to maintain and expand these gains.

Integration of hepatitis services into broader health systems can improve efficiency and reach. Prevention efforts, particularly through vaccination and the interruption of mother-to-child transmission, must be strengthened. Communities and civil society, key partners in reducing stigma and improving access to care, need to be supported so they can play their role more effectively.

"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," said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy.

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.

"By breaking down the barriers that remain, together we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat," said Dr Balkhy.

As 2030 approaches, we need stronger political commitment, sustained investment and continued partnership to accelerate progress towards the WHO goal of a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% reduction in deaths.

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 for all.

Related links:

World Hepatitis Day 2026 Regional Campaign

Global Hepatitis Report 2026