Every year on July 28, people all over the world come together to celebrate World Hepatitis Day. This important event serves as a reminder of the importance of education, promotion of prevention and efforts to eliminate hepatitis. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners, the day aims to combat the widespread impact of hepatitis and its related complications. In this blog, we delve into what hepatitis is, its global impact, the significance of World Hepatitis Day, and the collective effort to eradicate this silent killer.
Understanding Hepatitis:
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. The most common types are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by a different virus. Among them, hepatitis B and C are the most worrisome because they can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated.
Hepatitis can be transmitted in different ways such as:
- Hepatitis A and E: The primary source of transmission is through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B, C, and D: These viruses are primarily spread by contact with infected blood, through unsafe injections, unscreened blood transfusions, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Global impact of hepatitis:
Hepatitis is a silent global epidemic affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the WHO, an estimated 325 million people are living with hepatitis B or C infection. Shockingly, approximately 1.4 million people die each year from hepatitis-related liver disease.
The burden of hepatitis is not limited to physical health, but also includes significant economic and social consequences. The cost of medical treatment, lost productivity and the impact on families and communities are significant. Additionally, the stigma and discrimination associated with hepatitis can further hinder efforts to control its spread and provide needed care to affected individuals.
World Hepatitis Day: Why it matters
World Hepatitis Day is a critical event that serves several important purposes:
- Awareness raising: The day is an opportunity to educate people about the different types of hepatitis, how it spreads and the importance of prevention and early detection.
- Promoting prevention: By spreading knowledge about the modes of transmission, individuals can take preventive measures to protect themselves from hepatitis infections.
- Vaccination advocacy: Vaccines are available against hepatitis A and B. World Hepatitis Day advocates for increased access to these vaccines to prevent new infections.
- Support for testing and treatment: Many individuals may be living with hepatitis without knowing it. World Hepatitis Day encourages people at risk to get tested and provides information about available treatments.
- Fighting stigma: Addressing the stigma and discrimination associated with hepatitis is essential to creating a supportive environment for those affected and ensuring appropriate care and support.
- Collective effort: Towards elimination
The ultimate goal of World Hepatitis Day is to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This ambitious goal is part of the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy for Viral Hepatitis, which outlines a comprehensive approach to combating the disease.
Key components of this strategy include:
- Prevention: Through vaccination campaigns, promotion of safe injection practices and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
- Testing and diagnosis: Improving access to affordable and accurate diagnostic tests to identify those infected.
- Treatment: Ensuring that affected individuals have access to effective and affordable treatment options.
- Raising awareness and education: Conducting awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and educate the public about hepatitis and its prevention.
- Monitoring and research: Strengthening surveillance systems and investing in research to improve understanding and response to the disease.
World Hepatitis Day serves as a powerful reminder that despite the challenges, a hepatitis-free future is possible through joint efforts. By raising awareness, promoting prevention, and encouraging testing and treatment, we can make significant strides toward eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat. As individuals, we can support this cause by educating ourselves, encouraging others to get tested, and challenging the stigma attached to this preventable and treatable disease. Together we can make a difference and work towards a world where hepatitis is no longer a silent killer.
To get tested for Hepatitis from the comforts of your own homes or to consult a Gastroenterologist, call our helpline number 9830117733.
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