World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is an annual global event observed on July 28th to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on global health. The day serves as a platform to encourage action, collaboration, and advocacy to combat hepatitis and its related health issues. Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases that affect the liver, leading to inflammation and potential long-term complications. Understanding the significance of World Hepatitis Day, its history, and the key facts surrounding this global health concern can contribute to a broader effort in combating hepatitis and improving public health.

What is World Hepatitis Day?

World Hepatitis Day is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with governments, international organizations, and civil society to address the challenges posed by viral hepatitis. The event aims to provide a focal point for awareness-raising campaigns, sharing information about the disease, and promoting actions to prevent, diagnose, and treat hepatitis.

Date of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28th. This date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the development of a vaccine against the virus.

The Theme of World Hepatitis Day

Each year, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated with a specific theme that guides the awareness and advocacy efforts. The theme for the day is typically chosen to reflect the current global health priorities related to hepatitis. Themes from previous years have included “Eliminate Hepatitis,” “Invest in Eliminating Hepatitis,” “Hepatitis Can’t Wait,” and other variations that emphasize the urgency of tackling this public health challenge.

History of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day was first observed in 2008 after the World Health Assembly passed a resolution calling for the designation of an annual day focused on raising awareness about viral hepatitis. The resolution aimed to emphasize the importance of addressing viral hepatitis as a global public health issue and to mobilize countries and communities to take action in preventing and managing the disease.

Since its inception, World Hepatitis Day has grown in importance and visibility, with an increasing number of countries and organizations participating in awareness campaigns, free screening events, and advocacy activities to support the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis.

The Significance of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day holds great significance in the global fight against viral hepatitis due to the following reasons:

1. Raising Awareness: The day serves as a critical platform to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, its modes of transmission, prevention, and treatment options. Many people are unaware of the risks and consequences of hepatitis, and World Hepatitis Day helps disseminate vital information to the public.
2. Prevention and Testing: It encourages individuals to seek testing and access preventive measures, such as vaccination, particularly for hepatitis B, to reduce the burden of the disease.
3. Elimination Goals: In alignment with global health targets, World Hepatitis Day reinforces the commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by promoting actions and policies that support prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
4. Advocacy: The day provides an opportunity for advocacy and mobilization at national and global levels, urging policymakers to prioritize viral hepatitis in healthcare agendas.
5. Support for Affected Communities: World Hepatitis Day offers support and solidarity to people living with viral hepatitis and their families, promoting understanding and compassion for those affected by the disease.

Types of Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by several distinct viruses, each with its own mode of transmission, severity, and long-term consequences. The most common types of viral hepatitis are:

1. Hepatitis A (HAV): Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. It is a short-term infection and does not lead to chronic liver disease.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV): Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. It can lead to both acute and chronic infections, and chronic hepatitis B may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV): Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. Like hepatitis B, it can cause both acute and chronic infections. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to liver damage and other complications if left untreated.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV): Hepatitis D is a rare form of the disease that only occurs in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B. It is considered one of the most severe forms of viral hepatitis.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV): Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and is more common in areas with poor sanitation. In most cases, it causes acute infection, but pregnant women and people with underlying liver disease can experience severe complications.

Global Impact of Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a major global health challenge with significant social and economic consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 290 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B, and 71 million were living with chronic hepatitis C in 2020. The burden of hepatitis is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention, testing, and treatment is often limited.

Hepatitis-related liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, result in approximately 1.34 million deaths each year. The economic impact of viral hepatitis is substantial due to healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and the burden on healthcare systems.

Key Facts about Viral Hepatitis

1. Asymptomatic Nature: Viral hepatitis can be asymptomatic in its early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of complications.
2. Preventable Through Vaccination: Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination, which is recommended for infants and high-risk populations.
3. Mother-to-Child Transmission: Hepatitis B can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns can prevent this transmission.
4. Unsafe Injection Practices: In some cases, viral hepatitis is transmitted through unsafe injection practices, particularly in healthcare settings.
5. High Cure Rates: Modern antiviral treatments have significantly improved the cure rates for hepatitis C, making elimination efforts more feasible.
6. Stigma and Discrimination: People living with viral hepatitis may face stigma and discrimination, leading to reluctance in seeking testing and treatment.
7. Integrated Health Systems: Integrating hepatitis services into existing health systems can improve access to testing and treatment.
8. Blood and Organ Safety: Ensuring safe blood transfusions and organ transplants is essential in preventing hepatitis transmission.

Combating Hepatitis: Actions and Initiatives

World Hepatitis Day serves as a catalyst for various actions and initiatives to combat viral hepatitis worldwide:

1. Hepatitis Awareness Campaigns: Governments and organizations conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about hepatitis transmission, prevention, and treatment options.
2. Free Testing and Screening Events: Free testing and screening events are organized to identify individuals with hepatitis and connect them to care.
3. Vaccination Drives: Governments promote hepatitis B vaccination, especially among high-risk populations and infants.
4. Policy Advocacy: Advocacy efforts aim to influence policymakers to prioritize hepatitis prevention and treatment in national health agendas.
5. Healthcare Infrastructure Improvement: Investments in healthcare infrastructure help strengthen diagnostic and treatment capacities.
6. Access to Affordable Medicines: Ensuring access to affordable antiviral medications is vital in increasing treatment uptake and reducing the burden of viral hepatitis.
7. Community Engagement: Engaging affected communities and supporting patient support groups helps in raising awareness and reducing stigma.
8. Health Worker Training: Training healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage viral hepatitis contributes to improved patient outcomes.

How to eliminate Hepatitis

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on Viral Hepatitis, with the aim of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. The GHSS outlines key targets and interventions to be achieved at the national and global levels.

The GHSS focuses on the following strategic directions:

1. Prevention of New Infections: This includes vaccination for hepatitis B, safe injection practices, and access to clean water and sanitation to prevent hepatitis A and E.
2. Diagnosis and Treatment: Scaling up testing and treatment services for hepatitis B and C is essential to prevent complications and reduce transmission.
3. Integrating Services: Integrating hepatitis services into existing health systems improves access to testing and treatment.
4. Data and Surveillance: Enhancing data collection and surveillance systems helps track progress towards elimination goals.
5. Engagement and Advocacy: Building partnerships and advocating for political commitment is critical in advancing elimination efforts.

Conclusion

World Hepatitis Day is a vital global event that shines a spotlight on the burden of viral hepatitis and calls for action to combat this preventable and treatable public health challenge. By raising awareness, promoting prevention, increasing testing and treatment access, and advocating for political commitment, the world can progress towards the ambitious goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

As individuals, communities, governments, and organizations unite on World Hepatitis Day, their collective efforts can lead to a healthier and hepatitis-free future for all. By taking proactive steps to prevent transmission, increase access to treatment, and reduce stigma, we can make significant strides in the fight against viral hepatitis and ensure a healthier world for generations to come. Let us stand together in solidarity to make a positive impact on World Hepatitis Day and beyond.