The World is Failing to Eliminate Hepatitis C – Here’s Why That Matters
The clock is ticking on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious goal to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) as a public health threat by 2030. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite years of effort, new research presented at the 2025 Liver Meeting reveals a stark reality – we’re falling dangerously short. While progress has been made, the data paints a picture of uneven success and persistent gaps, raising questions about our global commitment to tackling this preventable and curable disease.
Presented by Zoe Ching, a Data Dashboard Intern at the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, the study analyzed data from 167 countries, using sources like the WHO Global Health Observatory and peer-reviewed research. It assessed progress against WHO’s targets: reducing HCV incidence to less than 5 new cases per 100,000 people and mortality to less than 2 per 100,000.
The findings are sobering. Globally, an estimated 50 million people live with HCV, with 6,000 new infections occurring daily. WHO’s Path to Elimination (PTE) framework, which outlines bronze, silver, and gold tiers for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment coverage, highlights the disparities.
Only 15% of countries are on track to meet the 2030 mortality target, and a mere 14% are projected to hit the incidence goal. Even more concerning, just 6% of countries – primarily in the Americas – are meeting both targets. This raises a crucial question: are we doing enough to prioritize HCV elimination, especially in regions lagging behind, like Southeast Asia, where no country has reached even the bronze tier?
The study delves into the specifics, examining coverage rates for needle/syringe distribution, diagnosis, and treatment. While some countries, like Egypt and Norway, have achieved gold status for treatment coverage, others, like the United States, lag behind with only bronze-tier diagnosis rates.
And this is the part most people miss: the PTE framework isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives. Needle/syringe programs, for instance, are crucial for preventing transmission among people who inject drugs, yet only 7% of countries meet the gold standard for distribution. This highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach that addresses both medical and social determinants of health.
The researchers emphasize that achieving PTE tiers requires sustained commitment and resources. The US, for example, needs to significantly expand access to HCV treatment and screening programs. But the responsibility doesn’t solely lie with individual countries. Global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and increased funding are essential to accelerate progress.
Is the world truly committed to eliminating hepatitis C? The data suggests we have a long way to go. What do you think? Are we doing enough, or do we need a radical shift in our approach? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below.
For more insights from The Liver Meeting 2025, visit https://www.eatg.org/hiv-news/highlights-from-the-liver-meeting-2025/