In France, approximately 140,000 people are believed to carry the hepatitis B virus, with nearly half unaware of their infection. This is because the disease often shows no symptoms for many years, making it difficult to detect without testing. According to Santé publique France (SPF), the country’s public health agency, this lack of awareness poses a significant challenge in controlling the spread of the virus. Hepatitis B can also be complicated by a related virus known as hepatitis D, or HDV. This virus only affects people who are already infected with hepatitis B, and it can make the disease more severe. In France, between 3.5 and 6.3% of people infected with hepatitis B are also infected with HDV. However, only about 26% of those with hepatitis B are being tested for HDV, despite guidelines recommending that all hepatitis B patients undergo this screening. This low screening rate means many infections go undiagnosed until the disease has progressed. The consequences of delayed diagnosis can be serious. According to SPF, nearly 41.6% of HDV infections are detected at an advanced stage of cirrhosis, a condition where the liver becomes severely scarred. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and increases the risk of liver cancer. Early detection is crucial for managing the disease and preventing these complications. Santé publique France has emphasized that improving the screening and diagnosis of hepatitis B and D is a key step toward achieving the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. In its latest weekly epidemiological bulletin, published on September 29, SPF called for increased efforts to identify and treat those infected, highlighting the importance of public health initiatives in addressing this challenge.