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Hepatitis is one of the most overlooked diseases worldwide. Despite afflicting more than 350 million people globally, it rarely receives the recognition it deserves.
World Hepatitis Day is a chance to raise awareness about the burden of viral hepatitis, funding research, supporting hepatitis vaccination campaigns, and commemorating the 1 million deaths annually.
The day of 28th of July was chosen as it is the birthday of Nobel-prize-winning scientist Baruch Blumberg (1925-2011). In 1967, he first discovered the hepatitis B virus, developing the first vaccine just a few years later. The day is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Hepatitis Alliance, who provide resources to help other organisations and people get involved.
In this article:
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by a viral infection, fatty liver disease, alcohol consumption, and many more conditions. World Hepatitis Day is primarily concerned with viral hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis comes in several different strains, labelled alphabetically: A, B, C, D, E. Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) are the most prevalent globally, causing a chronic condition which affects an estimated 354 million people. Both of these viruses are passed via bodily fluids in contrast to other viral strains, which are passed via food or water.
Hepatitis D (HDV) is the only exception, as it is spread exclusively through contaminated blood. A person cannot contract HDV without first contracting hepatitis B. It affects 5% of people with chronic HBV.
See the table below for an overview of each viral strain:
Feature | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C | Hepatitis D | Hepatitis E |
Virus Type | RNA | DNA | RNA | RNA | RNA |
Transmission | Faecal-oral | Blood, sexual, perinatal | Blood | Blood, co-infection with HBV | Faecal-oral |
Incubation Period | 15-50 days | 30-180 days | 2-26 weeks | 2-8 weeks | 2-10 weeks |
Chronic Infection | No | Yes | Yes | Yes, with HBV | No |
Vaccine Available | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes (in China) |
Symptoms | Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea | Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, dark urine, nausea | Often no symptoms, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (rare) | Similar to HBV, more severe | Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea |
Treatment | Supportive care | Antivirals, supportive care | Antivirals, supportive care | Control of HBV infection | Supportive care |
Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis symptoms are usually similar due to the inflammatory effect on the liver. Jaundice is characteristic and is caused by the buildup of bilirubin (a breakdown product of red blood cells), which is typically excreted into the bile by the liver. Other symptoms are similarly related to decreased bile excretion, e.g., nausea and diarrhoea.
Hepatitis Treatment
Hepatitis treatment is primarily focused on prevention. While antiviral medications exist to treat HBV and HCV, they are often expensive or lack availability in afflicted regions. Even in England, approximately 200,000 people live with a chronic HBV infection, with over 95% of the disease burden shouldered amongst migrants who acquired the infection overseas.
As such, hepatitis prevention methods focus on vaccination campaigns to reduce the incidence and impact of this devastating condition.
The Significance of World Hepatitis Day
Unlike other major infectious diseases, almost every death or infection caused by viral hepatitis is avoidable. Vaccines have existed for hepatitis A and B for decades (and for hepatitis E since 2011), and there are sensible precautions people can take to avert hepatitis C.
Even when people are infected, awareness is absolutely crucial. Viral hepatitis often goes unnoticed until it causes severe liver damage and liver cancer. By educating the public – both in the UK and abroad – we can promote earlier detection, better management, and fewer fatalities.
World Hepatitis Day doesn't exist in isolation. It's part of the WHO's broader goals to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. According to the WHO, an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low-and middle-income countries by 2030 through the combined efforts of vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines, and education campaigns.
This ambitious goal includes reducing new infections by 90% and mortality rates by 65%. Achieving this requires on-the-ground hepatitis prevention and treatment campaigns alongside people raising awareness to secure the funding and resources necessary to make a difference.
Themes and Campaigns
Every World Hepatitis Day has a specific theme. It's a way to highlight different aspects of this global issue. In this year's campaign, the message is "It's time for action."
With six years to go until 2030, the goal of eliminating hepatitis is within reach – unfortunately, current efforts are sliding backwards. "Resources are not being mobilised; stigma and discrimination are not being addressed; and despite commitments made by governments and institutions, millions are being left behind."
Campaigners and organisers are hoping World Hepatitis Day 2024 galvanises politicians, leaders, and other stakeholders into action. Tackling the 2 million new cases of hepatitis every year won't be easy. But considering hepatitis is now the world's deadliest virus after COVID-19 and the leading cause of liver cancer, it is a dream worth turning into reality.
A global pandemic and other threats have pushed viral hepatitis down the agenda. It's time to prioritise the elimination of this disease by demanding action from decision-makers.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to get involved? Are you passionate about taking action? Then, take part in this year's events, demonstrations, and online campaigns.
Here are some ideas on how to raise awareness:
Activities for Individuals
Getting involved on your own can feel a little daunting. Where do you even begin? One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is personal responsibility, e.g. getting tested for hepatitis. Early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment, reducing the risk of severe liver damage and transmission.
In addition, hepatitis vaccination is a powerful tool for HBV prevention. The more people who become vaccinated, the less risk of passing on the disease. That's particularly true if you're planning to travel to risky regions or handle bodily fluids, e.g., blood, on an everyday basis.
Speak to your healthcare provider or book an appointment with Health Klinix for further vaccination information.
Community Events and Educational Programs
Health fairs, informational seminars, and public talks are just the headline events getting the word out. Often, such events feature prominent speakers talking about their experience tackling an aspect of the virus. There may even be sufferers sharing their stories.
During these events, you can educate audiences on early hepatitis detection and treatment, as well as provide information on prevention strategies.
Social Media and Online Campaigns
Like other health campaigns, many people join in online. Social media and other online platforms are excellent channels for spreading awareness about hepatitis.
By sharing posts, infographics, videos, and personal stories, people can reach beyond their local community to the world beyond. It's a chance to share life-saving information, voice your concerns, and push stakeholders to take action.
Using hashtags like #WorldHepatitisDay and #HepatitisAwareness helps unify efforts, amplifying the message. There are tons of official campaigns and content – such as those provided by World Hepatitis Day organisers – to share, which is factually accurate and beautifully designed.
Supporting and Volunteering with Organisations
Giving up your time to support this cause is one of the best ways to help. In the UK, charities like the Hepatitis C Trust and Hepatitis B Positive Trust work tirelessly to tackle the disease. Eliminating both of these diseases from the UK by 2030 is a real possibility. But it takes dedicated and passionate individuals to lobby for change.
Consider that the UK has one of the poorest hepatitis child vaccination rates and border testing records globally (although this is gradually improving), and you can see the problem. Raising awareness about this issue can bring about effective interventions which will save lives. Get in touch with your local charities and organisations to make a difference this World Hepatitis Day.
Campaign Resources and Pledging Support
For those looking to take concrete steps to support the causes, campaign resources are available for sharing. These resources can be found on the World Hepatitis Day website. They include posters, social media graphics, and educational materials that can be used to spread awareness.
Additionally, signing the pledge to support World Hepatitis Day initiatives is a powerful way to show commitment.
Final Thoughts
Doing your part doesn't have to be monumental. Share this article with your friends to encourage others to get involved. If everyone did their bit, the goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030 would be that bit closer.
Health Klinix is a leading provider of hepatitis A and B vaccinations for healthcare professionals and people travelling abroad. Protect yourself and your loved ones today. Book your vaccination appointment with Health Klinix now and join the fight against hepatitis!
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-awareness/about/world-hepatitis-day.html
https://www.hhs.gov/hepatitis/awareness-months-and-days/world-hepatitis-day-july-28/index.html
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hepatitis
https://www.globalhep.org/tools-resources/resources/2024-global-hepatitis-report-who
Author: Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Reviewed and approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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