World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is an international health observance held annually on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and promote public understanding of the disease. Designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day emphasizes the importance of preventing, diagnosing and treating viral hepatitis. Its primary objective is to highlight the impact of viral hepatitis on public health and to encourage global collaboration aimed at eliminating these diseases by 2030.

History

World Hepatitis Day was established by the WHO to draw attention to the significance of viral hepatitis and its effects on public health. It was first observed in 2010 and is commemorated every year on July 28 to increase awareness about hepatitis worldwide and to provide information about transmission routes, preventive measures and treatment options.

Importance

World Hepatitis Day serves as a platform to emphasize the public health impact of viral hepatitis and to foster global cooperation in controlling the disease. The day facilitates information sharing and strengthens preventive practices for both health authorities and the general public.

Themes

Annual themes for World Hepatitis Day highlight priority areas in hepatitis prevention and control. For example, the 2023 theme was "One Life! One Liver!" emphasizing the possibility of a hepatitis-free future. The 2025 theme, “Hepatitis: Let's Break it Down,” focuses on removing economic, social and systemic barriers, reducing stigma and improving access to diagnosis and treatment. These themes reflect WHO’s efforts in hepatitis prevention, control and the importance of treatment in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Hepatitis and Its Types

Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver and can be caused by various viruses, primarily Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. These viruses can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C are particularly notable for their potential to cause severe long-term liver damage.

Global Situation

Millions of people worldwide live with chronic Hepatitis B and C. Viral hepatitis often progresses silently and untreated cases can result in serious liver damage and cancer. Therefore, increasing awareness and improving access to diagnosis and treatment are global priorities.

Global and National Measures

In Türkiye, the Viral Hepatitis Control Program (2024–2030) aims to raise awareness among high-risk groups, strengthen immunity, prevent mother-to-child transmission, enhance hepatitis surveillance, ensure access to treatment, provide safe blood and blood components, prevent transmission among intravenous drug users and prisoners and reduce healthcare-associated hepatitis. These strategies aim to prevent viral hepatitis, reduce new cases, enable early detection, facilitate treatment and prevent progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Since 2012, the implementation of Hepatitis A vaccination and improved hygiene conditions in Türkiye have led to a decline in disease incidence. Hepatitis B vaccination has been included in the routine childhood immunization schedule since 1998, significantly controlling the spread of the disease nationwide.

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