India, April 29 -- Countries are making measurable progress in combatting viral hepatitis, but the disease remains a major global health challenge, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report published on Tuesday.

It highlights significant gains made in the fight against hepatitis B and C, which together account for 95 per cent of all hepatitis-related deaths worldwide. 

These infections claimed 1.34 million lives in 2024.  Meanwhile, transmission continues at a rate of some 1.8 million infections annually - or more than 4,900 cases every day.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It can be spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen, or pass...