World Hepatitis Day is recognized every year on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, which is a leading cause of liver-related deaths around the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners aim to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by viruses, alcoholism, autoimmune diseases, or other factors. There are five main hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, and it usually causes a short-term illness that is not life-threatening.

Hepatitis B and C are most commonly spread through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids, and they can cause chronic infections that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other complications. Hepatitis D only infects people who already have hepatitis B, and it can make their condition more severe. Hepatitis E is spread through contaminated food and water, and it is more common in developing countries.

The global impact of Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a significant global health problem, and it is responsible for more than 1.3 million deaths each year.

Approximately 325 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or C, and many of them are unaware of their infection status. Hepatitis is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where access to testing and treatment is limited.

Hepatitis also has a significant economic impact, as it can result in lost productivity, healthcare costs, and other expenses.

The WHO estimates that investing in hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment could save more than 4 million lives and $350 billion by 2030.

The WHO Global Strategy: Eliminating Hepatitis by 2030

In 2016, the WHO adopted a Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, which aims to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The strategy includes five key areas of action:.

Prevent hepatitis infection through vaccination, harm reduction, and sanitation measures
Screen and diagnose people with hepatitis B and C
Provide access to affordable and effective treatment
Ensure safe blood, tissue, and organ donation and transplantation
Strengthen surveillance and monitoring systems

The WHO works closely with its partners, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to implement the strategy and achieve the elimination goal.

Get Involved: World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and support the global effort to eliminate the disease.

The theme for 2021 is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait,” which emphasizes the urgent need for action to tackle hepatitis despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are many ways to get involved in World Hepatitis Day. Here are some ideas:.

Learn about hepatitis and share information with your friends and family
Get tested for hepatitis B and C
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B
Advocate for hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment in your community
Participate in local or virtual events organized by WHO or other organizations

Hope on the Horizon: The Future of Hepatitis

The fight against hepatitis can seem daunting, but there is reason for hope. In recent years, new treatments have emerged that can cure hepatitis C in more than 95% of cases.

The development of a vaccine for hepatitis B has also contributed to the decline in new infections. Increased awareness and policy changes have led to improved access to testing and treatment in many parts of the world.

However, there is still much work to be done. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for stronger health systems and more investment in public health.

Disparities in access to testing and treatment for hepatitis persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

By working together and taking action on World Hepatitis Day and beyond, we can eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and promote liver health for all.