Theme 2025: “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down” | Symbol: Red and yellow ribbon
I. Overview:
World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28 to raise global awareness of hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — and to encourage prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine.
II. Significance of the Theme 2025:
The 2025 theme emphasizes the critical importance of testing and treating hepatitis to achieve the global goal of eliminating the disease by 2030. It calls for collective action to increase awareness, promote testing, and ensure access to treatment for those affected.
III. What is Hepatitis ?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections (types A, B, C, D, and E), but it can also result from toxins, alcohol use, and certain medications. Chronic hepatitis B and C are particularly dangerous, leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated.
IV. Quick Facts about Hepatitis:
- Global Impact: Approximately 325 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C.
- Mortality Rate: Hepatitis causes 1.4 million deaths annually, making it the second major killer infectious disease after tuberculosis.
- Preventable and Treatable: Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine; hepatitis C is curable with antiviral medications.
- Awareness Gap: 80% of people with hepatitis lack access to prevention, testing, and treatment services.
- Transmission: Hepatitis viruses can be transmitted through contaminated food and water (A and E), blood and bodily fluids (B, C, and D), and from mother to child during childbirth (B and C).
V. A Brief History of World Hepatitis Day:
- 2004: First informal observance organized by patient groups to raise hepatitis awareness.
- 2008: The World Hepatitis Alliance launches the official World Hepatitis Day campaign on May 19.
- 2010: WHO designates July 28 as World Hepatitis Day to commemorate Dr. Baruch Blumberg’s birthday.
- 2011–2015: Annual global themes like “Am I Number 12?” and “It’s Closer Than You Think” expand reach.
- 2016: WHO launches its global strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.
- 2019: WHO introduces hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine awareness into campaign goals.
- 2022–2025: Themes focus on testing, access to treatment, and ending stigma worldwide.
VI. How to Observe World Hepatitis Day?
- Get Tested: Encourage individuals to undergo hepatitis screening, especially those at higher risk.
- Vaccinate: Promote hepatitis B vaccination programs, particularly for newborns and unvaccinated adults.
- Educate: Organize seminars, webinars, and information campaigns to raise awareness about hepatitis prevention and treatment.
- Advocate: Support policies that increase access to testing and treatment services.
- Share Stories: Use social media platforms to share personal stories and information using hashtags like #WorldHepatitisDay and #TestTreatEliminate
🔗 References:
- https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-awareness/about/world-hepatitis-day.html
Disclaimer: We link to external websites for informational purposes only, but we do not endorse or guarantee their accuracy. Once you leave our site, you will be subject to the new website’s privacy policy.
