The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2019 is “Test.Treat.Hepatitis” and find the missing millions.
World Hepatitis day is observed on July 28 every year to raise awareness of hepatitis, a disease that affects the liver.
World Hepatitis Day is recognized annually on July 28th, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925-2011). Dr. Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and two years later developed the first hepatitis B vaccine and for these achievements won the Nobel Prize.
Viral hepatitis is caused by infection of one of five viruses – hepatitis A, B, C, D or E. All hepatitis viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, and chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
According to the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) Global hepatitis report, 2017external icon, viral hepatitis is a major global health threat with around 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and 71 million people living with chronic hepatitis C.
Did you know?
Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year. Together, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause 80% of liver cancer cases in the world. For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/worldhepday.htm
Globally, 292 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B. Only 10 percent are aware of their diagnosis. Check with your doctor to get tested. For more information on vaccinations, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-b.html
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. For more details, visit: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-liver#1
