Dhaka: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a call for urgent action in Bangladesh to expand access to hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment. The call seeks to dismantle the barriers preventing millions from receiving necessary care. This urgent appeal comes as Bangladesh ranks among the ten countries with the highest number of hepatitis C cases worldwide, according to WHO’s recent announcement.
According to United News of Bangladesh, chronic viral hepatitis is one of the leading infectious disease killers globally, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths each year, primarily due to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Hepatitis B and C, responsible for approximately 95% of these deaths, continue to spread silently. WHO data reveals that in the South-East Asia Region, about 43 million people are living with viral hepatitis. In 2024, the region recorded approximately 266,000 new infections and 200,000 hepatitis-related deaths.
Bangladesh not only struggles with a high burden of hepatitis C but also ranks among ten countries accounting for 69% of global hepatitis B-related deaths in 2024. This situation persists despite the availability of vaccinations and effective treatments, indicating significant barriers to access. Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasizes the preventable and treatable nature of hepatitis, highlighting the urgency for accelerated action to remove barriers to lifesaving services.
Bangladesh has shown strong commitment to combating viral hepatitis through the National Strategic Plan 2020-2030, enhanced vaccination programs, and expanded testing and treatment services. With WHO’s technical assistance, these efforts are crucial in working towards the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. However, challenges such as low public awareness, late diagnosis, limited access to testing and treatment, stigma, and uneven service availability persist.
The WHO outlines four priority areas for overcoming these barriers. First, strengthening prevention through sustained vaccination coverage, safe medical practices, and public awareness. Second, expanding testing and treatment access by integrating services into primary health care and other health programs. Third, decentralizing and scaling up services to make treatment more accessible. Fourth, enhancing surveillance and data systems to better understand disease burden and guide policy.
Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed acknowledges Bangladesh’s commitment and expresses WHO’s support in expanding access to prevention, testing, and treatment, strengthening health systems, and ensuring inclusivity. As World Hepatitis Day 2026 approaches, WHO sees a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to make strides towards the 2030 elimination goal by focusing on these areas.