World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on 28 July every year. The International World Hepatitis Day is observed to promote awareness of hepatitis, a group of viral illnesses that target the liver and afflict individuals worldwide. The day also encourages people to be tested for all five forms of cancer: A, B, C, D, and E. The World Hepatitis Alliance founded World Hepatitis Day in 2008.
Theme “Achieving the elimination of viral hepatitis within evolving health systems”.
Do you know? The day was first observed on 19 May. However, after the World Health Assembly chose to celebrate the birthday of Baruch Samuel Blumberg. He was an American physician who discovered hepatitis B in the 1960s and received a Nobel Prize for his contribution to the virus and its vaccine; authorities changed the date to 28 July 2010.
History
On 1 October 2004, different European and Middle Eastern Patient Groups and Baby Muriel organized the first International Hepatitis C Awareness Day. On the other hand, many patient groups observed ‘hepatitis day’ on different days. As a result, the World Hepatitis Alliance, in partnership with patient organizations, designated 19 May as the inaugural global World Hepatitis Day in 2008.
World Hepatitis Day was granted worldwide acceptance as the principal focus for national and international awareness-raising initiatives following a resolution during the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010. Authorities moved the date to 28 July. The resolution declares 28 July as World Hepatitis Day to promote education and better understand viral hepatitis as a worldwide public health issue.
To encourage the Member States to increase their disease prevention and control strategies. Every year, World Hepatitis Day is commemorated in over 100 countries with activities such as free screenings, poster campaigns, protests, concerts, discussion shows, flash mobs, and vaccine drives, to name a few. In addition, the WHO and the World Hepatitis Alliance produce a report every year outlining all of the incidents.
Importance
Hepatitis is not a disease that exclusively affects specific demographics or parts of the world; it may strike anyone. Hepatitis infects almost 400 million individuals globally, according to estimates. Hepatitis can be contracted by blood contact or sexual activity. For example, it can be passed on to a kid by a mother. As a result, hepatitis can strike persons living in areas with little information about the consequences of hazardous sexual behaviors or drug misuse. Hepatitis can progress to severe and often deadly liver disorders if left untreated.
The good news is that there has been significant improvement in preventing and treating hepatitis during the previous 100 years. Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are available. People in impoverished nations receive these immunizations from their physicians at a young age. Hepatitis C is treatable, whereas hepatitis D and E are uncommon. Almost 90% of persons infected with hepatitis are unaware that they are afflicted. By 2030, the World Hepatitis Alliance has aimed to eradicate viral hepatitis as a public health hazard. It’s a goal that you can achieve with your aid.
All Events: 2022 Events Calendar
Fun Fact
How many types of Hepatitisare there?
There are 5 types of Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E.
