World Hepatitis Day – July 28, 2023

Key Facts

According to the World Hepatitis Alliance:

• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection.
• There are five main Hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E.
• These five types are of the greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread.
• Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a viral Hepatitis related illness. With the existing prevention, it is important to get tested and receive treatment.

World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day (WHD) takes places every year on July 28th and brings the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change. This year’s theme is “We’re not waiting.” WHD 2023 call to action is to “accelerate elimination efforts of viral hepatitis now and the urgent need for testing and treatment for the real people who need it. Individuals and communities around the world are making change happen in their own lives and in world around them. We celebrate them, while demanding more action.” WHD is one of just four disease-specific global awareness days officially endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHD unites patient organizations, governments, medical professionals, civil society, industry, and the general public to boost the global profile of viral hepatitis.

Why is World Hepatitis Day important?

Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year – that’s as many as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria. Together, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause 80% of liver cancer cases in the world.

Viral hepatitis is not found in one location nor amongst one set of people; it is a truly global epidemic that can affect millions of people without them even being aware.

Currently, 90% of people living with hepatitis B and 80% living with hepatitis C are not aware of their status. This can result in the real possibility of developing fatal liver disease at some point in their lives and in some cases, unknowingly transmitting the infection to others.

With the availability of effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C, the elimination of viral hepatitis is achievable, but greater awareness and understanding of the disease and the risks is a must, as is access to cheaper diagnostics and treatment. With the inclusion of viral hepatitis in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the recent adoption of the world’s first global hepatitis strategy, we are at a pivotal moment. Now more than ever political commitment is needed. Without urgent action, deaths will continue to rise and the epidemic will continue to grow.

World Hepatitis Day presents an ideal opportunity: an opportunity to join together and raise the profile of viral hepatitis among the public, the world’s media and on the global health agenda. Elimination of viral Hepatitis can’t wait.

(Source: World Hepatitis Alliance)

Quick Links:

DHD#10 – Hepatitis C Screening, Treatment and Prevention
World Hepatitis Day
CDC – Viral Hepatitis
World Health Organization (WHO) – Hepatitis