The theme of World Hepatitis Day fighting hepatitis in 2024 is “Time to act“. The focus this year is on expanding access to diagnosis and treatment, especially in regions with high rates of undiagnosed infections.
World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of viral hepatitis, advancing prevention efforts, and promoting testing and treatment. The day, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the urgent need to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.
What is hepatitis?
According to the World Hepatitis Alliance:
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, mainly caused by viral infections. The five main strains of hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D and E – are responsible for most cases. Hepatitis B and C are the most common and dangerous, contributing to over 90% of hepatitis-related deaths.
Gastroenterology studies the chronic course of viral hepatitis. Chronic are the infections caused by hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HBC). Hepatitis is highly contagious (with hepatitis B being 100 times more contagious than AIDS). Ways of transmission of hepatitis B and C infection are most often sexual contact, through blood (in contact with the blood of a sick or infected person) or intrauterinely – from an infected mother to the baby. Hepatitis B becomes a chronic disease in 5-10% of cases, while hepatitis C – in about 80% of them. In general, chronic hepatitis does not have specific symptoms, but patients often complain of easy fatigue, weakness, general physical malaise, heaviness in the right lower abdomen. Chronic viral hepatitis remains the leading cause of the development of cirrhosis and primary liver cancer.
Hepatitis B and C are silent epidemics, most affecting children and marginalized populations, which include people who inject drugs, Indigenous people, prisoners, men who have sex with men, migrants and people living with HIV/AIDS.
With the availability of effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C, elimination of viral hepatitis is achievable, but greater awareness and understanding of the disease and risks are imperative, as is access to less expensive diagnostics and treatment.
Worldwide, 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis without knowing it. Without finding the undiagnosed and connecting them to care, millions will continue to suffer and lives will be lost. On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, we are calling on people around the world to take action and raise awareness to find the “missing millions”
Significance of World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day, launched in 2008, serves as a crucial platform for:
• Raising public awareness: Educating the public about viral hepatitis, including its transmission, prevention and treatment.
• Promoting policy action: Governments to prioritize hepatitis policies and funding.
• Amplifying Voices: Supporting People Living with Hepatitis and Affected Communities.
• Highlights progress: Showcasing progress in hepatitis elimination efforts.
Each year there is a specific theme to guide the campaign. Recent themes include “Elimination of Hepatitis”, “Hepatitis Can't Wait“, which inevitably lead and emphasize the need for immediate action.
Alignment of World Hepatitis Day with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
World Hepatitis Day supports several SDGs:
• Good health and well-being (SDG 3) : aims to promote health and well-being through early detection, treatment and prevention of hepatitis.
• Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) : Promotes global collaboration and partnerships to address hepatitis through shared knowledge and resources.
• Reducing inequalities (SDG 10) : Focuses on ensuring equitable access to hepatitis services, reducing health disparities.
• Preventive measures : Vaccination and effective treatment are crucial. Hepatitis B vaccines are available for all ages, while hepatitis C can be cured with safe oral treatment.
• Access to care : It is important to improve access to diagnostic tests, medicines and vaccines.
Here are some quick points on hepatitis prevention:
• Get vaccinated: There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Getting vaccinated protects you from these types of hepatitis.
• Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet. This can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A and E.
• Use clean needles: If you use needles for medical purposes, make sure they are clean and not shared with others to prevent hepatitis B and C.
• Use condoms during sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted hepatitis B and C.
• Be careful with tattoos and piercings: Make sure needles and equipment used for tattoos and piercings are sterilized and safe to prevent hepatitis B and C.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other items that may have traces of blood on them because this can spread hepatitis B and C.
• Be careful with food and water: When traveling or eating out, be careful about the quality of the food and water you consume to prevent hepatitis A and E.
• Get tested: If you're at risk for hepatitis B or C, consider getting tested. Knowing your partner's status can also help prevent transmission of the infection.
• If you have hepatitis, follow your doctor's advice and take prescribed medications to prevent complications and the spread of the virus.
Remember that hepatitis can be a serious disease, but by following these steps you can reduce your risk and protect yourself.
Together we can achieve the goal of eliminating hepatitis in Bulgaria by 2030 and reduce new cases and deaths caused by hepatitis B and C infections.
Source: rzibl.org