Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses  and noninfectious agents. Five hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A virus (HAV), HBV, HCV, hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV)) can infect humans and cause hepatitis.

HBV and HCV infection can become chronic and cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Data from countries shows that viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge of this decade. An estimated 1.3 million people died from chronic viral hepatitis B and C in 2024 equivalent to approximately 3500 deaths per day. An estimated 240 million people are living with hepatitis B and 47 million people are living with viraemic hepatitis C worldwide. In 2024, there were 1.8 million new HBV and HCV infections. Many people remain undiagnosed in many countries, and even when hepatitis is diagnosed, the number of people receiving treatment remains incredibly low.

High-impact interventions are available, such as an effective cure for hepatitis C and vaccines for hepatitis B, but access to these interventions must be urgently expanded to save lives and prevent a future generation of new infections, cancers and deaths.