World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28th, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to increase awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and cancer. WHO estimates indicate that more than 300 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B and C, with approximately 2.2 million new infections per year. This year’s theme, 'It’s time for action,' underscores the pressing need to accelerate better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to achieve global target improvements such as the elimination goals by 2030.
Prioritizing testing, treatment, and vaccination is paramount, including expanding access and strengthening primary care with decentralized and integrated health services. Moreover, the engagement of affected communities and civil society ensures that prevention and treatment efforts secure and support significant advances in the following years. Notably, recent progress from a phase 3 trial published in the NEJM showed promising results of combination therapy with bulevirtide and peginterferon alfa-2a, instilling hope for the future.