Rohit Shishodia
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for major investments in eliminating hepatitis, which kills 1.4 million people in the world every year. These deaths can be prevented by investing billions in various interventions, treatment methods and awareness campaigns.

The UN agency informs that 80% people living with hepatitis B and C lack treatment. According to the latest WHO data, 325 million people are living with viral hepatitis B and C in the world. 2,850,000 people became newly infected in 2017.

Hepatitis is the second major killer infectious disease after TB. 9 times more people are infected with hepatitis than HIV. The deadly infectious disease is treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. However, over 80% of people living with hepatitis lack prevention, testing and treatment services.

The World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year. WHO has urged all countries and partners to promote the theme “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”.

The UN agency will release new figures for additional investments required to achieve globally agreed hepatitis elimination goals by 2030, in the context of the universal health coverage. Pakistan will host World Hepatitis Day 2019 this year. The global events will be held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 27-28 July, 2019.