Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of mortality worldwide and is the only communicable disease where mortality is increasing. Viral hepatitis cause at least as many, if not more, deaths annually than TB, AIDS or malaria combined.

The word Hepatitis means inflammation (swelling) of the liver. The inflammation can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer over a period of time . Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis but some other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.