World Hepatitis Day: Let’s Break It Down for a Hepatitis-Free Future

World Hepatitis Day: Why Prevention, Testing, and Treatment Matter More Than Ever

An international effort to increase knowledge about hepatitis and encourage prevention testing and treatment is known as World Hepatitis Day which is celebrated on July 28 every year. The hallmark of hepatitis is inflammation of the liver which is frequently brought on by viral infections. Nevertheless autoimmune disorders, alcoholism and some drugs can also cause it. The five main forms of viral hepatitis – hepatitis A, B, C, D and E – each have different ways of spreading and have different effects on health. The necessity of more robust public health regulations to successfully fight the illness is another point made by World Hepatitis Day. As we explore the significance of the background and theme of this momentous day, continue reading.

Background of World Hepatitis Day

The annual July 28th celebration of World Hepatitis Day aims to increase public awareness of hepatitis including the infectious diseases hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. The Nobel Laureate Dr. Dot Baruch Blumberg who identified the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the 1960s and created a vaccine and diagnostic test for it was honored on this date. In 2010 the date was shifted from May 19 to July 28. The World Hepatitis Alliance founded in 2007 organized the first community-driven World Hepatitis Day in 2008.

Theme of World Hepatitis Day

‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down’ is the theme for World Hepatitis Day in 2025. This theme urges action to remove the obstacles preventing hepatitis testing prevention treatment and eventually eradication. It specifically tackles the systemic social and financial obstacles that impede advancement such as stigma. 

Significance of World Hepatitis Day

Increasing public awareness of viral hepatitis and its effects on public health is the main goal of World Hepatitis Day. Communities, people and legislators can learn about the various forms of hepatitis as well as prevention methods tests and treatment alternatives on this day. 

It promotes international collaboration and advocacy in the fight against the rising incidence of hepatitis-related diseases and fatalities. In order to promote a coordinated global response and work towards the WHOs goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030 World Hepatitis Day is essential for highlighting the significance of improved vaccination early diagnosis and improved access to healthcare services.

Symptoms

One or more of the following symptoms are common to all forms of viral hepatitis. 

• Fatigue 
• Fever 
• Loss of appetite 
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) 
• Dark urine or clay-coloured stools 
• Diarrhea (hepatitis A only) 
• Joint pain 
• Nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting 
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

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Types and Causes

Type A, B, C, D and E are the five primary strains of hepatitis. The virus severity prevention strategies and modes of transmission vary amongst these. Of all the varieties hepatitis B and C cause chronic illnesses in millions of people most of which result in liver cirrhosis liver cancer and sometimes even death. 

• Hepatitis A- It is brought on by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is spread by tainted food water or close contact with an infected individual. 
• Hepatitis B- A child can contract this from an infected mother contaminated bodily fluids or by sharing contaminated needles or other sharp objects.
• Hepatitis C- Unsanitary tattooing, sharing needles, having sex with an infected person or consuming contaminated blood are all ways that the Hepatitis C virus is spread. 
• Hepatitis D- Infected blood is the means of transmission. It only happens in conjunction with or subsequent to a Hepatitis B infection. 
• Hepatitis E- It spreads through tainted water and food. Consuming undercooked or uncooked meat can also cause it. 

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Precautions

Since there is currently no treatment for hepatitis people can take important preventative measures to avoid getting it in the first place. 

• Get vaccinated especially against HBV and if proper HAV and HEV.
• Make sure that medical equipment is properly sterilised. 
• Be hygienic.
• Make sure medical equipment that is meant to be used repeatedly is properly sterilised. 
• Steer clear of drinking or eating tainted water. 
• Use condoms and engage in safe sexual behavior. 

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