Global, Regional and National Burden of Viral Hepatitis From 1990 to 2021 With Forecasts to 2046: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

ABSTRACT

Viral hepatitis constitutes a primary cause of liver cirrhosis and carcinoma and ranks as the second leading cause of mortality worldwide due to challenges in early detection and limited preventive measures, thereby posing a significant threat to public health. This study analyses the burden and risk factors associated with viral hepatitis at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021, and projects the disease burden from 2022 to 2046. From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of viral hepatitis increased, despite a decline in age‐standardized rates. Population growth emerged as the primary driver influencing this trend, with the highest disease burden observed in the African region. A high body‐mass index (BMI) demonstrated a distinct and significant association with the sustained increase in disease burden. Excessive alcohol consumption was identified as the leading cause of hepatitis B, while drug abuse was predominantly linked to hepatitis C. Notably, males exhibited a markedly higher susceptibility to these risk factors compared to females. Over the next 25 years, the disease burden of hepatitis A, B, C and E is projected to remain stable or decline. Viral hepatitis remains a significant global public health challenge. It is imperative to strengthen efforts to prevent alcohol and drug abuse, consistently advance disease detection and treatment methods, and enable low‐ and middle‐income countries to improve healthcare infrastructure and expand vaccination coverage. These measures are essential to promptly reduce the disease burden and achieve the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.