Hepatitis virus is one of the major public health problems affecting the human race in the globe, recording a number of deaths.
It was discovered that many people die faster when affected by some viruses than the HIV virus.
The rate at which people die from hepatitis virus is more rapid than that of HIV/AIDS.
The number of deaths caused by viral hepatitis has outpaced all chronic scourges like HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, Global Burden of Disease reports.
Back in 2016, a study revealed that over 1.34 million people died from hepatitis virus as compared to malaria (719, 000), tuberculosis (1.2 million), HIV/AIDS ( 1 million) cases.
Despite the recent advancement in hepatitis medications, cases of deaths resulting from hepatitis virus have been recorded and still happening.
“It’s outrageous, but not surprising, that the Global Burden of Disease Report found that deaths related to viral hepatitis have surpassed HIV, TB and malaria,” said Charles Gore, President of the World Hepatitis Alliance.
He further explained the lack of political prioritisation coupled with an absent global funding mechanism is a major contributing factor of hepatitis deaths.
“This is largely due to a historic lack of political prioritisation coupled with an absent global funding mechanism”.
Raquel Peck noted that such deaths can be prevented only if the world Leaders pull together to fight this virus by offering funds that will help in research.
“World leaders and national decision-makers must heed these findings and note that with targeted funding, political prioritisation and specific interventions, hepatitis deaths can be avoided,” said Raquel Peck, CEO of World Hepatitis Alliance.