Promoting adequate access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic viral hepatitis remains a major challenge that threatens achievement of disease elimination targets for 2030 within the framework of PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative. 

Although the mortality rate from chronic viral hepatitis is lower in the Americas than in other global regions, it has increased slightly since 2017 rather than declining. The baseline mortality rate was 9.85 deaths per 100 000 population in 2017, with a 2025 target of 5.35. However, the rate reached 9.95 in 2021 and is projected to rise to 10.24 by 2025, indicating insufficient progress toward the target and limited impact of existing interventions. Therefore, this indicator is considered to be on the wrong track. 

Ever-increasing mortality rates are associated with inadequate access to prevention, timely diagnosis, and treatment. Limitations in surveillance and information systems remain a challenge, hindering the ability to track cases and guide interventions.

Countries have strengthened planning and implementation through regular technical cooperation and revision of national policies, with support from the Bureau. Efforts have focused on improving data collection and analysis, expanding access to services for the populations most affected, and supporting availability of medicines and diagnostic tests for hepatitis through the PAHO Regional Revolving Fund for Strategic Public Health Supplies.