World Hepatitis Day 2022

World Hepatitis Day 28th July

Every year, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on July 28 to create awareness and educate people about the effect of viral hepatitis, which can cause liver inflammation leading to severe liver-related ailments and liver cancer.

On World Hepatitis Day 2022, World Health Organization highlights the need to bring hepatitis treatment closer to primary health care facilities and communities to make treatment more accessible to people regardless of the type of hepatitis.

World Health Organization has set up a goal to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030. To achieve this, the WHO urges countries to achieve specific goals.

• • • •

Reduces new infections of hepatitis B and C by 90%.

A 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths from cirrhosis and cancer; Make sure that at least 90% of people infected with hepatitis B and C viruses are diagnosed.

At least 80% of eligible individuals receive appropriate care.

World Hepatitis Day 2022 Theme This year 2022, the World Hepatitis Day 2022 theme is "Hepatitis Can't Wait".

On World Hepatitis Day, July 28, we urge people worldwide to take action and raise awareness of hepatitis infection, as hepatitis cannot wait.

History of World Hepatitis Day A hepatitis-related awareness event was first observed on October 1, 2004 as "International Hepatitis C Awareness day" organised and coordinated by different European and Middle Eastern Patient Groups, later on this event was celebrated on different dates by these groups. To consolidate the effect of this event, in 2008, World Hepatitis Alliance in coordination with different patient group declared May 19 as the first global World Hepatitis Day. Later on, a resolution was passed during World Health Assembly in 2010 to change the date to July 28 to honour the work of Dr Baruch Samuel Blumberg. The aim was to designate this particular day to create awareness and educate people about viral hepatitis as a global public health problem worldwide.

Who is at Risk for Hepatitis?

People who indulge in the following activities are at higher risk for hepatitis: • • • • • • • •

Sharing needles to take medicine Indulge in unprotected oral and anal sex Having multiple sex partners Drink a significant amount of alcohol Having poor nutrition Work in a hospital or nursing home Receiving long-term kidney dialysis Travel to areas with poor sanitation

Prevention from Hepatitis Virus There are many ways to reduce your chances of getting hepatitis: • • • • • • • •

Get vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B Use a condom during sex Do not share needles to take medication Maintaining personal hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water Do not use the personal belongings of an infected person Be aware while getting tattoos or body piercings Make sure you are vaccinated when travelling to areas of the world with poor sanitation Drink bottled water during your travel