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The spread of hepatitis can be prevented if countries adopt measures promoted by WHO. These include:

• universal newborn immunization against hepatitis B, in addition to vaccination against hepatitis A and B in specific high risk groups of population, determined according to the level of endemicity in a given country and as a supplement to comprehensive prevention and control efforts;
• prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B;
• promotion of safer sexual behaviour to reduce the risk of infection;
• reduction of harm related to injecting drug use;
• provision of a safe blood supply;
• prevention of transmission in health care settings.

In addition, access to diagnosis and timely treatment reduces sickness from viral hepatitis and reduce complications, including liver failure and primary liver cancer. This improves quality of life and reduces mortality.

In May 2010, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing hepatitis as a global public health problem.