Hepatitis—a silent killer

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It performs over 500 vital functions every day, including removing toxins, regulating blood clotting, extracting bacteria from the bloodstream, and producing protein.

Hepatitis, a liver inflammation caused by infectious viruses and noninfectious agents, is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ due to its tendency to show no obvious symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. The disease disrupts essential bodily functions, leading to severe liver problems with potentially fatal consequences. Hepatitis viruses can be categorized into types A to E, with each differing in transmission methods, severity, and prevention. Among these, hepatitis B and C are considered the most severe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, the number of lives lost due to viral hepatitis is on the rise, with 1.3 million annual deaths, making it the second leading infectious cause of death globally, next to tuberculosis. Every day, 3,500 people die from hepatitis B and C infections, and over 300 million people live with these diseases.

World Hepatitis Day, initiated by the WHO, is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness about liver-related diseases and the urgency for testing, treatment, and prevention. The WHO is committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030.

Globally, efforts are being made to eradicate hepatitis by incorporating vaccines into national immunization programs and creating antiviral treatments for different strains. In Qatar, significant progress has been made to eliminate hepatitis B in children by offering free vaccines and administering HepB-birth to newborns. Additionally, Qatar has easily accessible primary healthcare centers and a robust vaccine management system that proactively addresses potential shortages and monitors the number of children requiring vaccination.

Led by Dr. Laith Abu-Raddad, the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group (IDEG) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) has conducted over 50 studies on the epidemiology of viral hepatitis. These studies, many funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), have played a key role in advancing understanding of disease epidemiology and have been instrumental in helping the WHO formulate public health policies and programs for the region. The IDEG is a WHO Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis—the first of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

In partnership with WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO-EMRO), the IDEG produced a comprehensive report on the hepatitis C virus epidemic in the Eastern Mediterranean region, providing guidance on eliminating the disease as a public health threat by 2030. The report, titled ‘Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Implications for strategic action,’ offers an evidence-based approach to tackling the disease.

Emphasizing the need for collective efforts to eliminate hepatitis, Dr. Abu-Raddad, professor of population health sciences, associate dean for extramural research funding, and director of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Biomathematics Research Core at WCM-Q, said: “World Hepatitis Day reminds us that hepatitis viruses continue to sicken and kill millions of people globally, making them one of the leading causes of disease and death. Fortunately, some of these viruses, such as hepatitis A and B, are preventable through vaccination, and others, like hepatitis C, are treatable. We must unite to ensure these effective interventions reach everyone in need and support those affected by hepatitis. Together, we can eliminate this global health threat and secure a healthier future for all.”

Additionally, researchers at WCM-Q’s Institute for Population Health (IPH) have published a comprehensive overview of 37 systematic reviews on hepatitis C in 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) between 2008 and 2016. The research aimed to evaluate the quality of data in these reviews and highlight evidence-based intervention strategies (scale up treatment and prioritize prevention) to eliminate hepatitis C in the region.The researchers concluded that preventative measures should focus on at-risk populations with higher hepatitis C exposure rates and emphasized the importance of screening and targeted intervention. The research, titled ‘Systematic overview of hepatitis C infection in the Middle East and North Africa,’ was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Highlighting the critical need to raise awareness about hepatitis, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, associate professor of clinical population health sciences and assistant dean at IPH, said: “Globally, millions of people live with hepatitis B and C, with the vast majority unaware that they are infected. These individuals face a high risk of developing chronic liver disease and can unknowingly transmit the infection to others. This, combined with over one million hepatitis-related deaths each year, is particularly concerning, especially since these outcomes are preventable. It is crucial for all of us to speak up, raise awareness, and improve prevention strategies because a healthy liver is essential for human health.”

World Hepatitis Day, which falls on July 28, commemorates the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed its diagnostic test and vaccine. This day is an essential reminder of the importance of safeguarding liver health and the urgency of working collaboratively to create a hepatitis-free world.