World Hepatitis Day

On July 28, we celebrate World Hepatitis Day, a day set aside to bring attention to viral hepatitis. This inflammatory liver condition can lead to cancer and other serious complications.
The message for this year is: Take action now. We need to move quickly to enhance hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in order to reduce the number of deaths caused by this disease, which is responsible for 30 deaths every minute.

We can classify the hepatitis virus into five primary strains: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C cause 1.3 million fatalities and 2.2 million new infections combined, making them the most common illnesses.

• Hepatitis A: Often transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water. It is usually an acute infection and often resolves on its own.
• Hepatitis B: Spread through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood or semen. It can be both acute and chronic. Vaccination is available and highly effective.
• Hepatitis C: Mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. It is often chronic and can lead to severe liver damage. There is no vaccine, but antiviral medications can cure many cases.
• Hepatitis D: Occurs only in those infected with Hepatitis B, as it requires the Hepatitis B virus to replicate. Vaccination against Hepatitis B also protects against Hepatitis D.
• Hepatitis E: Typically transmitted through contaminated water. It is usually acute but can be severe in pregnant women.

Testing and treatment coverage rates have remained stagnant, even though diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have improved and product prices have decreased. However, with immediate action, it should still be possible to accomplish the World Health Organisation’s elimination objective by 2030.

As soon as new campaign materials, tools, and information on how to participate become available, we will post them here. If we work together, we can eradicate hepatitis.

Acute (quickly passing) hepatitis A symptoms can develop and progress over a few weeks to a few months. A small amount of faeces in meals is usually enough to spread the disease. The most effective means of preventing the transmission of hepatitis A are frequent and thorough hand washings lasting at least 20 seconds. A vaccine is the best defence against hepatitis A.

Although chronic (long-term) infection is the most common type of hepatitis B, most adults who contract the virus experience an acute infection, which can cause liver damage or cancer. Typically, a mother transmits Hepatitis B to her child at birth, through sharing needles and syringes, and through sexual contact with an infected person’s blood or semen. Immunization, which involves three injections spaced six months apart, is the best way to prevent Hepatitis B. Important preventative measures include using condoms and avoiding sharing injection utensils and needles.

The Importance of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the global burden of hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 354 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis, yet many are unaware of their infection. The day serves to:

1. Increase Awareness: Educate the public about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of hepatitis. Increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, reducing the spread and impact of the disease.
2. Promote Testing and Vaccination: Encourage individuals to get tested for hepatitis, particularly if they are at higher risk. Vaccination is crucial for preventing Hepatitis A and B.
3. Advocate for Global Health Policies: Push for improved health policies and greater investment in hepatitis prevention, treatment, and research.
4. Support Affected Individuals: Provide a platform for people living with hepatitis to share their stories and seek support. Reducing stigma and promoting understanding are key to improving quality of life and encouraging more people to seek help.

Acute (lasting a few weeks) or chronic (lasting a lifetime), hepatitis C is the prognosis for this prevalent liver disease. Many people are unaware they have hepatitis C because it can remain dormant in the body for a long time. Hepatitis C causes the majority of liver cancer cases and transplants in the United States. The most typical route of transmission for hepatitis C is by direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected individual, most commonly through the sharing of injectable medical devices or simply coming into contact with an infected person’s blood. Important precautions to take include not touching someone else’s blood and not sharing needles or syringes. Fortunately, there is currently a cure for hepatitis C, even in the absence of a vaccination. You can obtain more information by contacting your healthcare provider.

Every year, on July 28th, the global health community comes together to observe World Hepatitis Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about viral hepatitis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the liver and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

World Hepatitis Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it represents a global effort to combat a significant health challenge. With continued education, improved access to healthcare, and robust support systems, we can work towards a world where hepatitis is no longer a major public health concern.

Together, let’s make every day count in the fight against hepatitis. Your actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a healthier, more informed world.

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