Eliminate Hepatitis by 2030 the campaign for World Hepatitis Day
Viral hepatitis is a global epidemic, causing 1.34 million deaths per year. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially endorses World Hepatitis Day (WHD) which takes place on 28th July every year.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by a virus, which can lead to fatal liver disease. Five hepatitis viruses have been identified: A, B, C, D, E.
Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause 80% of the world’s liver cancer cases. The true global burden of viral hepatitis is revealed by the estimate that currently, 90% of people living with hepatitis B and 80% living with hepatitis C are not aware of their status and are unknowingly transmitting the infection to others. This makes it a public health threat to all.
There are effective vaccines available for hepatitis A and B (the latter also serving to protect against hepatitis D) and interferon-based therapy for improving and clearing hepatitis B and D. Whilst hepatitis E is thankfully a largely self-limiting disease, the once thought incurable hepatitis C virus can now be successfully cleared in the majority of cases by use of potent direct-acting antiviral drugs being developed.
The ‘Nohep’ campaign is a global movement to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 which has become increasingly achievable.
However, there is still a need for greater awareness and understanding of the disease. World Hepatitis Day calls for global political engagement to guarantee intervention through universal vaccination, earlier diagnosis and access to affordable treatment, improved education on blood and injection safety to reduce the risk of spread and a commitment to eradicating this disease.
A parallel campaign is to #ShowYourFace – to put a human face to elimination of viral hepatitis since every individual could be affected and has a role to play. People are encouraged to share a photo of themselves on social media alongside a statement of how they are committed to taking responsibility, taking action and supporting others in the community to Eliminate Hepatitis.
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Learning Zones
The Learning Zones are an educational resource for healthcare professionals that provide medical information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and burden of disease, as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment regimens.
4 mins