The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced today that hepatitis D is now classified as carcinogenic, calling on governments and partners to accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis.

According to the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, alongside hepatitis B and C.

Hepatitis D, which only affects individuals with hepatitis B, carries a two to six times greater risk of liver cancer compared to hepatitis B infection alone.

This reclassification marks a crucial step in global awareness efforts, improved detection and expanded access to new hepatitis D treatments, WHO reported through its official channels.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted that every 30 seconds someone dies from severe liver disease or liver cancer linked to hepatitis, «despite having the tools to stop the disease.»

WHO emphasised that viral hepatitis types (A, B, C, D and E) represent major causes of acute liver infection. Among these, only hepatitis B, C and D can cause chronic infections that significantly increase risks of cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer – yet most hepatitis patients remain unaware of their infection.

Types B, C and D affect over 300 million people worldwide, causing more than 1.3 million annual deaths, primarily from liver cirrhosis and cancer.