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World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July, raises awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer. With millions of people across the globe dying from hepatitis-related illnesses, timely action on better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to save lives and improve health conditions.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally.
Theme of World Hepatitis Day 2024
World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness on viral hepatitis, and this year’s theme is ‘it’s time for action’. Each year, this day focuses on a specific theme to increase knowledge about the current situation of hepatitis worldwide and bring about positive changes.
History of World Hepatitis Day 2024
From 19May 2019, World Hepatitis Day was moved to July 28 in 2010. The World Hepatitis Alliance was founded in the year 2007, and in 2008, the first community-organised World Hepatitis Day was observed. This happened after the World Health Assembly decided to commemorate the birthday of Baruch Samuel Blumberg who discovered Hepatitis B in the 1960s.
World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO’s Global hepatitis report
The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus.
Low coverage of testing and treatment is the most important gap to be addressed to achieve the global elimination goals by 2030
Types of Hepatitis:
Autoimmune Hepatitis:
- Cause: The immune system attacks the liver.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, belly discomfort, jaundice, enlarged liver, skin issues, joint pain, menstrual irregularities.
Hepatitis A:
- Cause: Viral infection affecting the liver.
- Symptoms: Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, jaundice, joint pain, itchy skin.
Hepatitis B
- Cause: Infection with the hepatitis B virus.
- Symptoms: Jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Hepatitis C:
- Cause: Infection with the hepatitis C virus, primarily spread through contaminated blood.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, itching, jaundice, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling.
Hepatitis D
- Cause: Infection with the hepatitis D virus, occurs in those already infected with hepatitis B.
- Symptoms: Jaundice, gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), tiredness, loss of appetite.
Hepatitis E:
- Cause: Infection with the hepatitis E virus, typically spread through contaminated water.
- Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice.
Neonatal Hepatitis:
- Cause: Group of disorders with unknown causes associated with cholestasis in infants.
- Symptoms: Enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice, poor growth.
Each type of hepatitis varies in its cause, mode of transmission, and symptoms.
Conclusion
World Hepatitis Day is a day for all of us to think about how we can protect ourselves and others from hepatitis. It’s a problem that affects people all across the globe, but if we work together by learning, getting tested, and preventing it, we can make sure that hepatitis doesn’t cause big health problems by the year 2030.
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