World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July, raises awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer.

The hepatitis virus comes in five primary strains: A, B, C, D, and E. The most prevalent illnesses, hepatitis B and C combined, cause 2.2 million new infections and 1.3 million deaths annually. 

Testing and treatment coverage rates have stagnated in spite of improved diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and declining product costs. However, if quick action is done now, achieving the WHO elimination target by 2030 should still be possible.

HISTORY:

One of the eight health days honoured annually is World Hepatitis Day, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

With about 33 crore people worldwide suffering from chronic hepatitis B or C, the yearly event strives to raise awareness of the devastation caused by hepatitis infection.

On October 1, 2004, Baby Muriel and many European and Middle Eastern patient groups organised the first-ever International Hepatitis C Awareness Day. Afterwards, many patient groups observed Hepatitis Day on various dates.

As a result, the World Hepatitis Alliance established the first-ever global World Hepatitis Day on May 19 in cooperation with patient organisations.

At the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010, a resolution was approved. The resolution decided to declare July 28 as World Hepatitis Day. More than 100 nations currently observe World Hepatitis Day annually.

WHY IS HEPATITIS DAY IMPORTANT?

Launched in 2008, the goal of World Hepatitis Day is to create partnerships for the elimination of viral hepatitis and to increase awareness of the disease's global burden. This day offers the chance to:

·  Educate the public on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of viral hepatitis.

·   Urge countries to give financing and policy for hepatitis first priority.

·   Raise the voices of those impacted by viral hepatitis and those who are living with it.

·   Draw attention to the advancements made in the fight to eradicate viral hepatitis.