Chronic hepatitis - primarily caused by hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses - represents a major global health burden, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite effective vaccines and curative therapies, millions remain undiagnosed or untreated.

This episode explores:

• Global epidemiology of hepatitis B and C• Modes of transmission - perinatal, sexual, blood-borne• Chronic infection and progression to cirrhosis• Liver cancer risk and long-term complications• Hepatitis B vaccination programmes• Direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C• Screening and diagnosis gaps• Harm reduction strategies• WHO elimination targets and health system integration

Chronic hepatitis illustrates the silent nature of many public health threats. Infection may remain asymptomatic for years while progressive liver damage unfolds. Prevention relies on vaccination, safe injection practices, blood safety, and harm reduction. Treatment advances - particularly direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C - have transformed the possibility of cure.

Yet elimination depends on access, equity, and sustained public health investment.

Chronic hepatitis is both preventable and treatable - but only if systems reach those at risk.

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Key Takeaways

• Chronic hepatitis B and C are major causes of liver disease worldwide• Many infections remain undiagnosed• Hepatitis B vaccination significantly reduces transmission• Direct-acting antivirals can cure hepatitis C• Harm reduction strategies reduce blood-borne spread• Screening is critical to achieving elimination goals• Liver cancer prevention depends on effective hepatitis control

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