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World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year to raise awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis. The events marking this day involve major international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, as well as national health agencies.
The History of World Hepatitis Day
The date of July 28 was chosen because it marks the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967. Just two years later, he developed the first vaccine against hepatitis B. These groundbreaking achievements culminated in Dr. Blumberg being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976.
International organizations typically come together to jointly disseminate information about viral hepatitis and work towards global elimination goals by 2030. Though they may use different slogans, the WHO slogan for this year is: “One life, One liver.” The theme of the campaign by the World Hepatitis Alliance is: “Every year, more than a million lives are lost to hepatitis. We’re not waiting for change – we’re fighting to make it happen.” On the organization’s website dedicated to this day, a concise slogan reads: “We’re not waiting.”
The shared mission on World Hepatitis Day is to raise awareness, promote prevention, and advance the fight against hepatitis. We all aim for a healthier world with reduced hepatitis-related mortality.
About Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. These viruses can cause acute (short-term) as well as chronic (long-lasting) liver diseases. Among them, hepatitis B and C are of particular concern, with almost 8,000 new infections occurring daily, many of which go unnoticed. Nine out of ten infected individuals are unaware of their diagnosis. While mortality rates from tuberculosis and HIV are declining, deaths from hepatitis are on the rise.
Many of these hepatitis-related deaths could be prevented. Vaccines are available for types A and B, and almost all types can be effectively treated with antiviral therapy. Hepatitis D is the most challenging to treat, but it affects only 5% of those already infected with type B or co-infected simultaneously. Hepatitis D requires hepatitis B for replication, and fortunately, hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination.
Preventing and managing viral hepatitis is crucial to reducing the burden of liver disease and preventing unnecessary deaths. Public awareness, vaccination campaigns, and access to affordable treatments are essential components in the fight against hepatitis worldwide.
Prevention
Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended as early as possible after birth, followed by two additional doses at least 4 weeks apart. The protection from these vaccines lasts from 20 years to a lifetime. The WHO does not recommend revaccination after completing the 3-dose schedule.
For other types of hepatitis, prevention involves protection from transmission routes. Depending on the virus type, it can be transmitted through blood or contaminated water and bodily fluids. Individuals engaging in unprotected sex and those living in areas with poor access to clean water are at risk. People caught in areas of humanitarian crises, including conflict zones like Ukraine, are also vulnerable.
After providing medical aid to those affected by Russian aggression, the first step is to rapidly supply clean drinking water and hygiene materials for disinfection. Ensuring access to these essentials is crucial to protect people from potential viral hepatitis infections amidst the humanitarian crisis. Preventive measures play a critical role in safeguarding public health during emergencies.
