World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28th every year

Lieutenant Governor Joan Marie;

World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28th every year with the aim of raising global awareness about hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.


The day specifically targets the "B" and "C" forms, as they are the most common and lead to chronic diseases that can result in liver cirrhosis and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the theme for this year's campaign, which is "Find the Missing Millions." The goal is to identify the millions of people who are unaware that they are living with viral hepatitis and to ensure they receive the necessary care and treatment to manage the disease.

Hepatitis B and C are significant global health issues, affecting approximately 325 million people worldwide. These viruses are transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, and unsafe medical practices. They can also be spread from mother to child during birth or through sexual contact. Many people with these infections do not show symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.

The WHO has established a set of goals to combat hepatitis, including:

1. Testing and diagnosing 90% of people with hepatitis B and C by 2030.
2. Ensuring that 80% of those diagnosed receive the appropriate treatment.
3. Reducing new hepatitis infections by 90%.
4. Reducing hepatitis-related mortality by 65%.

To achieve these goals, it's essential to:

- Increase awareness about the disease and the importance of vaccination.
- Improve access to testing and treatment services.
- Strengthen prevention measures, such as providing clean needles and syringes to intravenous drug users and ensuring safe medical practices.
- Promote the use of condoms to reduce the risk of sexual transmission.
- Implement harm reduction programs for those who are at higher risk of infection.
- Enhance the availability of safe and effective medicines to treat hepatitis.

You can support the efforts to eliminate hepatitis by:

- Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.
- Getting tested for hepatitis B and C, especially if you're at risk or have symptoms.
- Encouraging others to get tested and vaccinated.
- Sharing information about the disease and its prevention.
- Supporting organizations that work to provide treatment and care for those affected by hepatitis.

By working together, we can help find the missing millions and bring the world one step closer to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. Visit the WHO website (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day) to access resources, join the conversation with the hashtag #WorldHepatitisDay, and learn more about how you can make a difference.