World Hepatitis Day

Take care of your health, get vaccinated, and have your doctor screen for hepatitis to prevent health complications. Raise awareness to help others do the same.

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Position vaccination and screening services as accessible health solutions on a globally recognized awareness day to drive patient engagement and preventive care uptake.

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Know Your Status: Free Hepatitis Screening Clinics on World Hepatitis Day
Vaccination Myths Debunked: Protect Yourself & Your Community
Patient Stories: How Early Detection Changed Lives

History

In 2010 the World Health Organization made World Hepatitis Day one of only four official disease-specific world health days, to be celebrated each year on the 28th July.

Millions of people across the world now take part in World Hepatitis Day, to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, and to call for access to treatment, better prevention programs and government action.

There was a group created called the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) which is a patient-led and patient driven non-governmental organization whose membership consists of 230 different organizations from 81 countries all over the world.

There are different themes every year for World Hepatitis Day. These themes are important because they help to coordinate the worldwide response to hepatitis.

They also help to strengthen prevention, raise awareness on the different types of hepatitis and the way the diseases are spread, and much more.

We definitely recommend taking a look at the theme for each year, as it helps to give you some direction on the different things that you can focus on when it comes to raising awareness, fundraising, volunteering, or anything else that you will be doing on this date.

Some of the different themes that have been used over the years include: Prevention of viral Hepatitis. Act now. – More must be done to stop this silent killer. Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere. Know it. Confront it.

FAQ

Why is World Hepatitis Day celebrated on July 28th?

World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28th to honor Dr. Baruch Blumberg’s birthday. He discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed its first vaccine, significantly advancing liver disease research.

What are some myths about hepatitis transmission?

A common myth is that hepatitis can spread through casual contact like hugging or sharing utensils. In reality, hepatitis B and C primarily transmit through blood-to-blood contact, not casual interactions.

How do different cultures raise awareness on World Hepatitis Day?

In Europe, organizations host educational events, offer free screenings, and run public campaigns to increase hepatitis awareness. These activities aim to educate communities and promote preventive measures.

What are some misconceptions about hepatitis symptoms?

Many believe hepatitis always presents noticeable symptoms. However, hepatitis can be asymptomatic, meaning individuals might not experience symptoms until advanced stages, underscoring the importance of regular testing.

How did the World Hepatitis Alliance contribute to global awareness?

Established in 2007, the World Hepatitis Alliance has been instrumental in advocating for hepatitis awareness, leading to the recognition of World Hepatitis Day by the World Health Organization in 2010.

What are some unique global events held on World Hepatitis Day?

In 2012, a Guinness World Record was set when 12,588 people from 20 countries performed the Three Wise Monkeys actions, symbolizing the ignorance surrounding hepatitis

What are the different types of hepatitis viruses?

There are five main types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Each varies in transmission methods and health impacts, with types B and C often leading to chronic liver diseases.

How does the World Health Organization support World Hepatitis Day?

The WHO designates World Hepatitis Day as one of its seven officially mandated global public health days, emphasizing the importance of hepatitis awareness and prevention.

What are some challenges in eliminating hepatitis globally?

Despite available vaccines and treatments, challenges like inadequate political commitment, funding, and public awareness hinder global efforts to eliminate hepatitis.

What’s the history behind hepatitis vaccines?

The first hepatitis B vaccine, created in the 1980s, was derived from human plasma. Modern vaccines use recombinant DNA technology, which is safer and more efficient. These advancements have drastically reduced hepatitis B infections worldwide.