Hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths, caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024. Transmission remains widespread, with about 4,900 new infections each day, or 1.8 million annually.

Progress since 2015

The 2026 global hepatitis report outlines gains made over the past decade. New hepatitis B infections have dropped by 32%, while hepatitis C-related deaths have declined by 12%.

Among children under five, hepatitis B prevalence fell to 0.6%, with 85 countries meeting or exceeding the 2030 target of 0.1%.

These improvements follow coordinated action after countries adopted hepatitis elimination targets at the 2016 World Health Assembly. Still, the report states that progress is too slow to meet all 2030 goals, with prevention, testing, and treatment efforts needing rapid expansion.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General at WHO said countries are demonstrating that hepatitis elimination is achievable with sustained political commitment and domestic funding, according to the report. He said progress remains uneven, with many people undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care, and added that scaling up prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is urgent to meet 2030 targets.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Global numbers rising, limited access to care

In 2024, an estimated 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis B accounted for 0.9 million new infections, with 68% occurring in Africa. Only 17% of newborns in the region received the birth-dose vaccine.

Another 0.9 million people were newly infected with hepatitis C. People who inject drugs made up 44% of these cases, pointing to gaps in harm reduction and safe injection services.

Treatment coverage remains limited. Fewer than 5% of the 240 million people with chronic hepatitis B received treatment in 2024. For hepatitis C, only 20% of patients have been treated since 2015, despite the availability of a 12-week therapy with a cure rate of about 95%.

Limited access to care contributed to 1.1 million deaths from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C in 2024. Most deaths were caused by liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, with many hepatitis B-related deaths occurring in Africa and the Western Pacific.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Solutions for expanded treatments

Countries such as Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, and the UK show that eliminating hepatitis is possible with sustained investment.

Existing tools include vaccines that protect more than 95% of people against hepatitis B, long-term antiviral treatment to manage chronic infection, and short-course therapies that can cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases.

Tereza Kasaeva said the data shows both progress and gaps, according to the report. She said missed diagnoses and untreated infections lead to preventable deaths and stressed the need to integrate hepatitis services into primary care and reach affected communities.

The WHO report calls for expanded treatment for hepatitis B, especially in Africa and the Western Pacific, and wider access to hepatitis C care in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also urges stronger political commitment, improved vaccination coverage at birth, expanded measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and safer injection practices, particularly for people who inject drugs.

A story of vision saved

Modern treatments, early detection and public awareness are giving new hope to brain tumour patients and their families. Dr Ravindran Karuppiah, Consultant Neurosurgeon at ParkCity Medical Centre, uncovers the facts, dispels the myths, and highlights the life-changing impact of early detection and evolving treatments.

Among Dr Ravindran’s many patients, one young woman’s case stands out.

“She came in complaining of persistent vision problems. An MRI revealed a benign tumour pressing against her optic nerve,” he recalls. “Thanks to early detection and precise endoscopic surgery, we were able to preserve her vision and avoid major complications.”

Her story highlights the importance of not ignoring subtle or lingering symptoms. “It’s a reminder that early action can preserve function, and in some cases, save lives,” he says.

Brain tumours may be rare, but the impact they have is profound. Myths and fear can often cloud our understanding, but as Dr Ravindran’s insights show, there is reason for hope. With early detection, cutting-edge technology, and a holistic approach to care, patients are living longer, recovering better, and reclaiming their lives.

“The most important thing anyone can do,” Dr Ravindran concludes, “is to listen to their body, stay informed, and never hesitate to seek medical advice. Early detection isn’t just about survival, it’s about preserving quality of life.”

A dreaded condition but what is it, really?

A diagnosis of a brain tumour is often met with dread. The term alone often brings fear, mainly because of common myths or misconceptions, limited public awareness, and the silent nature of many symptoms. But behind that fear is a clearer picture, one that includes medical advancement, patient resilience, and the vital role of early intervention.

In Malaysia, brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers account for about 1.7% of newly diagnosed cancer cases, according to Malaysian data from the Global Cancer  Observatory with an incidence of 1.26 per 100,000 people annually, citing data from the 2012-2016 Malaysia National Cancer Registry. Among children under 14, the rate is estimated at 2 per 100,000.

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding areas. “Brain tumours can be classified as benign or malignant,” explains Dr Ravindran. “Benign tumours like meningiomas tend to grow slowly and don’t spread, but they can still cause significant symptoms due to the pressure they exert on nearby brain structures. Malignant tumours, such as glioblastomas, are cancerous, grow rapidly, and can invade nearby tissues.”

Tumours are also categorised as primary, arising directly within the brain, or secondary, when cancer spreads from another part of the body to the brain.

Are brain tumours on the rise?

Although brain tumours are less common compared to other cancers, Malaysia has seen a noticeable increase in diagnosed cases. This, however, may not signal an actual rise in prevalence.

“With greater public awareness and wider availability of advanced imaging tools like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, more cases are being detected early,” says Dr Ravindran. “People are more likely to investigate persistent symptoms today than they were 20 years ago.”

Dispelling the myths

Brain tumours are surrounded by misconceptions, many of which delay diagnosis or cause unnecessary panic. “One common myth is that a headache means you have a brain tumour,” Dr Ravindran shares.

“But headaches are a very nonspecific symptom. They only become worried if they are accompanied by visual disturbances, speech difficulties, weakness, or numbness in the limbs.”

Another popular misconception is that brain surgery leads to personality changes or loss of function. “Modern medical technology has dramatically changed the landscape,” he says. “Surgical precision today is far greater, and outcomes are much improved. Patients are now recovering faster and with fewer complications.”

And what about mobile phones? “There’s no solid evidence that normal mobile phone use significantly increases the risk of brain tumours,” he affirms. “This concern often comes up, but the data just doesn’t support it at this time.”

Causes

In most cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

“Most brain tumours are sporadic,” Dr Ravindran explains. “But a small number are linked to genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, a disorder that causes tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the brain. Exposure to ionising radiation is also a known risk factor.”

While lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, or stress are important for overall well-being, they do not have a direct, proven link to brain tumour development. A healthy lifestyle can support better outcomes during recovery and treatment.

When to seek help

One of the most powerful tools in improving outcomes is early detection. But recognising the signs can be tricky.

“Brain tumours don’t always present in the same way,” says Dr Ravindran. “Some common red flags include persistent headaches, seizures, blurred vision, weakness in the arms or legs, speech difficulties, and unexplained personality changes.”

If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to seek medical advice. “A timely consultation and imaging can make all the difference,” he adds.

Breakthroughs in treatment technology

Neurosurgery has come a long way over the years, with major advancements in how brain tumours are diagnosed and treated. “We now use high-resolution MRI and functional imaging to precisely locate and assess brain tumours,” Dr Ravindran shares. “Neuronavigation systems, intraoperative MRI, and intraoperative nerve monitoring help guide our surgeries in real time.”

He also highlights the rise of less invasive techniques such as awake craniotomy and keyhole surgery using advanced endoscopic equipment. “These approaches have shortened hospital stays and reduced recovery time. In many cases, patients can return to normal life much sooner than expected.”

Other advancements include improved radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and a team-based approach that looks after every aspect of patient care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

Life after surgery

Surgery is only one part of the journey. Post-operative care and long-term support play a critical role in recovery.

“Recovery is a team effort,” Dr Ravindran stresses. “Patients may need physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, depending on the affected brain areas. Follow-up imaging is essential to monitor for recurrence.”

Just as important is the emotional aspect. “Mental health support is vital. The diagnosis alone can be overwhelming, not just for patients, but for their families too,” he says. “Counselling and psychological support are integral to a patient’s quality of life.”

News reports have mentioned Nancy as saying that other countries in the Asia-Pacific region also face low fertility rates. In response, the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has introduced initiatives like affordable fertility treatments, male fertility clinics, tax exemptions for fertility treatments, and plans for a National Subfertility Centre. She emphasised that decisions about having children are personal rights.

Source: Bernama