Let’s break it down.
This World Hepatitis Day, let’s break down the barriers holding us back from a hepatitis-free world. The World Hepatitis Alliance, our partners, allies, and our 400 members in 120 countries are calling for action to end this entirely preventable disease.
Our goals:
- That everyone has the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed choices about hepatitis testing, treatment and vaccination.
- For decision makers to become advocates, providing the resources needed to improve the lives of affected communities.
- An end to the stigma for people living with hepatitis, ensuring no one is left behind.
- That everyone sees that hepatitis elimination is not only possible but achievable – if we all work together to make it happen.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections, but also by other factors like excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. It can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death if left untreated.
World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28th, is a crucial opportunity to raise global awareness about hepatitis and encourage prevention, testing, and treatment. This year’s theme focuses on bringing hepatitis care closer to communities and people. Let’s explore the different types of hepatitis, their symptoms, prevention strategies, and the significance of early detection and treatment.
| Types of Viral Hepatitis |
There are five main types of viral hepatitis, each caused by a different virus: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
- Hepatitis A (HAV): Typically transmitted through contaminated food and water. It’s usually acute and doesn’t lead to chronic liver disease. Vaccination is available and highly effective.
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. It can be acute or chronic. Chronic HBV can lead to serious liver disease. Vaccination is available and recommended for all infants, children, and high-risk adults.
- Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily transmitted through infected blood, often through sharing needles or unsanitized medical equipment. Most people with HCV develop chronic infection, which can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. Effective treatments are available that can cure HCV.
- Hepatitis D (HDV): Only occurs in people already infected with HBV. It’s transmitted through infected blood. HDV can accelerate liver damage in people with HBV. Vaccination against HBV also protects against HDV.
- Hepatitis E (HEV): Usually transmitted through contaminated water. It’s typically acute and self-limiting, but can be severe in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is available in some countries.
| Symptoms of Hepatitis |
Many people with hepatitis, especially chronic hepatitis, may not experience any symptoms until the liver is significantly damaged. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
| Prevention Strategies |
| Hepatitis A:Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.Drink safe water: Avoid drinking untreated water, especially in areas where sanitation is poor.Get vaccinated: Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective. | Hepatitis B, C, and D:Get vaccinated: Hepatitis B vaccine protects against HBV and HDV.Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly.Avoid sharing needles: Never share needles or syringes for injecting drugs.Ensure safe medical practices: Make sure healthcare providers use sterile equipment.Screening: Ensure blood products are screened for HBV and HCV. |
Hepatitis E:
- Drink safe water: Avoid drinking untreated water, especially in areas where sanitation is poor.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Cook food thoroughly: Especially pork and wild game in endemic regions.
| The Importance of Testing and Treatment |
Early detection is key to preventing serious complications from hepatitis. Testing is crucial for identifying infected individuals who may not have symptoms. People at high risk, such as those who inject drugs, have multiple sexual partners, or have a history of blood transfusions before 1992, should be tested regularly.
Effective treatments are available for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Treatment can prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In the case of Hepatitis C, antiviral medications can even cure the infection. For Hepatitis B, treatment can suppress the virus and prevent liver damage, even if it doesn’t always eliminate the virus completely.
Access to affordable testing and treatment is essential for controlling the hepatitis epidemic. Many countries are working to expand access to these services.
| Facts About World Hepatitis Day 2025 |
When is World Hepatitis Day 2025?
World Hepatitis Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, 28 July 2025. This date commemorates the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first vaccine against it. Every year on this day, countries around the world host events, provide free screenings, and share educational materials to help reduce the impact of hepatitis.
Why is World Hepatitis Day 2025 Important?
Hepatitis is a silent epidemic, with many people unaware they are living with the virus until it causes severe health issues like liver cirrhosis or cancer. Nearly 354 million people globally are affected by hepatitis B or C, and hundreds of thousands of lives are lost each year. World Hepatitis Day 2025 is crucial for raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek testing and treatment. By coming together on this day, we can help break the silence and work towards the elimination of hepatitis.
How to Get Involved
There are many meaningful ways to take part in World Hepatitis Day 2025:
- Share educational resources and facts on social media to spread awareness.
- Organize or attend local events, webinars, or health fairs in your community.
- Get tested for hepatitis and encourage others to do the same.
- Support organizations working towards hepatitis prevention, treatment, and research.
- Wear the symbolic yellow or blue colors and use official hashtags to show your support online.
Facts About World Hepatitis Day 2025
- Viral hepatitis causes more than 1.1 million deaths each year worldwide.
- Most people with hepatitis B or C are unaware of their infection.
- Effective vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B, and treatment can cure hepatitis C.
- The 2025 theme is expected to focus on increasing access to testing and life-saving treatments.
REFERENCES
- Vicky Markolefa, World Hepatitis Day 2025, Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down, https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day/2025
- World Hepatitis Day Alliance, Let Break it Down, World Hepatitis Day 2025, http://www.worldhepatitisday.org/
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