Released in July of 2025:
“The 2023 Surveillance Status Report underscores the vital importance of sustained funding for viral
hepatitis surveillance in the United States. Now in its third year, the report highlights the substantial
needs viral hepatitis continues to pose a major public health threat.
In 2021, an estimated 862,000 to 2.2 million people in the U.S. were living with Hepatitis B, and between
2017 and 2021, an estimated 4 million people were living with Hepatitis C—many undiagnosed. Four million
people were estimated to be living with hepatitis C. These figures [burden of disease] emphasize the urgent
need for a strong and consistent public health surveillance system—without which, the goal of eliminating
viral hepatitis in the U.S. remains out of reach.
Recognizing this need, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded funding in 2021 to
support hepatitis C surveillance in 59 jurisdictions. Prior to this, only 14 states received federal funding for
viral hepatitis surveillance. This investment enabled jurisdictions to better detect outbreaks, monitor trends,
and allocate public health resources more effectively.
The Surveillance Status Report was originally developed to show how increased funding for surveillance—
supported at both federal and state levels—can directly shape public health response strategies. These
include determining how many people have viral hepatitis infections, addressing disparities in viral hepatitis,
and making local data available for program managers and policy makers to use. Over the past three
years, jurisdictions that received funding in 2021 have demonstrated measurable improvements in these
capabilities and others.
However, this progress is now at risk. Funding for testing, prevention, treatment, and surveillance has
been reduced across multiple infectious disease areas. Cuts to HIV and STI programs are imminent,
and funding for COVID-19 response has already been terminated.
The achievements highlighted in this report are in jeopardy. Without continued investment, the surveillance
infrastructure essential for tracking and combating viral hepatitis will deteriorate—undermining efforts to
eliminate the disease altogether.
Sustained funding is essential for protecting public health and achieving the national goal of viral
hepatitis elimination.”