Prevention & Control of Viral Hepatitis Infection: Framework for Global Action; 2012

What is the problem?

Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem affecting millions of people every year, causing disability and death.

Overall:
• Around 500 000 000 people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).
• Approximately 1 000 000 people die each year (~2.7% of all deaths) from causes related to viral hepatitis, most commonly liver disease, including liver cancer. 
• An estimated 57% of cases of liver cirrhosis and 78% of cases of primary liver cancer result from HBV or HCV infection.