WHO Resolution

Following extensive lobbying from the World Hepatitis Alliance and patient groups around the world, the World Health Assembly has agreed a resolution on viral hepatitis. The resolution was supported by all 193 member states, reflecting the international realization that action to tackle these diseases is now urgently required.

For the first time, the resolution recognises the global impact of hepatitis B and C – two diseases that kill one million people a year and which to date have not received the global attention they deserve.  The World Health Assembly has established a robust framework to deliver improvements in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and awareness.  The resolution clearly states the need for global coordinated action to tackle viral hepatitis backed by dedicated resources.  It also provides global endorsement of World Hepatitis Day as the primary focus for national and international awareness-raising efforts. 

We would like to thank everyone who supported the campaign to ensure this resolution was passed. The World Hepatitis Alliance and supporting groups now look forward to working with governments and the WHO to begin the urgent task of preventing new infections and providing much needed support to the 500 million people living with viral hepatitis worldwide.

To view the WHO resolution on viral hepatitis, please click here.