World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28th, is a significant global health event aimed at raising awareness about viral hepatitis. This day is an opportunity to enhance efforts in preventing, diagnosing, and treating hepatitis infections, and to advocate for global action towards eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat. World Hepatitis Day honours the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first vaccine against it. His work paved the way for significant advancements in preventing hepatitis B infections.
Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections. There are five main types of hepatitis viruses, designated as A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses can lead to both acute and chronic liver disease, with hepatitis B and C being the most serious, causing long-term liver problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. 
Hepatitis remains a significant global health challenge, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 354 million people live with chronic hepatitis B and C, which together cause around 1.1 million deaths annually. However, despite the availability of vaccines, millions worldwide still live with chronic hepatitis B and C. Many remain undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and limited access to testing facilities.
The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2024, “Take Action,” emphasizes that a person is dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness. We must accelerate action on better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health outcomes. 
This is where World Hepatitis Day comes in. It serves as a critical platform to:
- Raise awareness: Educating the public about the different forms of hepatitis, their symptoms, and transmission routes is essential.
- Encourage testing: Early detection allows for timely treatment and prevents further complications.
- Promote vaccination: Vaccines are highly effective in preventing hepatitis A and B infections.
- Increase access to treatment: Effective treatments exist for hepatitis B and C, but ensuring everyone has access remains a challenge.
Everyone has a role to play in the fight against hepatitis. Here are some actions individuals and communities can take:
- Get Vaccinated: Ensure that you and your family are vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
- Practice Safe Behaviours: Avoid sharing needles and practice safe sex to reduce the risk of hepatitis transmission.
- Promote Awareness: Educate yourself and others about hepatitis, its transmission, and prevention methods.
- Advocate for Access: Support policies and initiatives that enhance access to hepatitis testing, treatment, and care.
- Get tested: If you are at risk of hepatitis infection, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
- Support advocacy efforts: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Hepatitis Alliance work tirelessly to eliminate hepatitis. Consider volunteering or donating to support their cause.
In conclusion, World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the global hepatitis epidemic. By raising awareness, promoting prevention, improving access to testing and treatment, and fostering international collaboration, we can make significant strides towards eliminating viral hepatitis and ensuring a healthier future for all. Let’s join hands and take action by working together, we can create a future free from the burden of hepatitis. Let’s take action this World Hepatitis Day and commit to achieving the WHO’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
Written By:
Rtr. Muzna Hameed
(Blog Team Member 2024-25)
Edited By:
Rtr. Thisara Kuruppuarachchi
(Blog Team Member 2024-25)
