The Importance of World Hepatitis Day And How You Can Contribute

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28 July every year.  The event is an attempt to bring together the global hepatitis community together so that their problems can be heard from one unified and strong platform that has a tremendous reach. World Hepatitis Day is also an attempt to increase awareness about the condition and help create a united forum to fight the disease.

July 28 has been chosen to observe this day as it is the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, credited with the discovery of the Hepatitis B virus in 1967. He later developed the first vaccine for Hepatitis B in 1969. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on the virus and its vaccine.

World Hepatitis Day is commemorated by organizations such as the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Every year the World Hepatitis Day is observed around a theme. The 2020 theme is about raising awareness and finding the ‘missing millions’.

It is estimated that around 290 million people are living with viral hepatitis across the globe and they are unaware of it. It is a scary situation as the undiagnosed patients will continue to suffer. Millions of people are facing a huge risk to their lives as they remain undiagnosed and without getting the right treatment. On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, the focus will be on raising awareness about this problem and finding ways of locating and treating the ‘missing millions’.  

World Hepatitis Day also promotes testing and prevention for all five types of Hepatitis – A, B, C, D, and E.

How can you participate and contribute to this great and noble cause on this day?

By Getting Tested:

As mentioned above, there are millions of people who are unaware that they are carrying a Hepatitis infection. This is because they don’t think it necessary to get tested. On World Hepatitis Day, get tested at your nearest urgent care testing clinic. A simple blood test is all it takes to know if you are among the infected and unaware millions. Also encourage your family members, friends, relatives, and colleagues to do the same.

By Taking Part In An Event In Your Locality

Find out if your local health organizations are holding an event related to World Hepatitis Day. Most of them do. You can also attend concerts and rallies organized to raise awareness about Hepatitis and contribute your mite to this big cause. You can visit the World Hepatitis Day website to find out about an event organized by a local body near you.

Do Your Own Event: Unable to find an event related to World Hepatitis Day near you? Don’t be disappointed. This is a great opportunity to take the initiative and host an awareness event on your own even if it is being done on a small scale. You will find all types of promotional and campaign materials related to the 2020 World Hepatitis Day theme on the site. Just download and get started.