Results
The prevalence of hepatitis C infection in Ethiopia increased from 1,525,506 (UI): 1,233,554-1,882,997) in 2019 to 1,653,765 (UI: 1,332,884-2,039,588) in 2023, an increase of almost 8.5%. Correspondingly, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) increased steadily from 1647 per 100,000 population (UI: 1482-1812) in 2019 to 1750 per 100,000 (UI: 1575-1925) in 2023. The incidence increased from 188,080 (UI: 148,692-240,059) in 2019 to 200,228 (UI: 157,812-258,693) in 2023, increased by 6.5%. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) followed a consistent upward trajectory, increasing from 250 per 100,000 (UI: 225-275) in 2019 to 264 per 100,000 (UI: 238-290) in 2023. The number of deaths increased from 7019 (UI: 4614-10,075) in 2019 to 7623 (UI: 4879-11,225) in 2023 with an 8.6% increase. The crude mortality rate decreased from 7.26 per 100,000 (UI: 6.39-8.13) in 2019 to 7.13 per 100,000 (UI: 6.27-7.99) in 2023. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), however, increased from 447 per 100,000 (UI: 393-501) in 2019 to 500 per 100,000 (UI: 440-560) in 2023. DALYs increased from 259,112 (UI: 165,317-381,194) in 2019 to 287,140 (UI: 176,866-437,025) in 2023. The age-standardized DALY rate inclined from 426 per 100,000 (UI: 383-469) in 2019 to 457 per 100,000 (UI: 411-503) in 2023. The age-standardized YLL rate increased from 418 per 100,000 (UI: 376-460) in 2019 to 450 per 100,000 (UI: 405-495) in 2023. The age-standardized YLD rate remained stable, from 7.3 per 100,000 (UI: 6.6-8.0) in 2019 to 7.3 per 100,000 (UI: 6.6-8.0) in 2023. Prevalence and incidence were higher in females than males. The highest prevalence was observed in the 55+ years age group. Incidence was highest among children and adolescents (5-24 years). Regionally, Oromia, Amhara, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPs) recorded the highest burden.
