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World Hepatitis Day
28 July, 2021
The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood and fights infections. If inflamed or damaged, its function is affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D and E. Together, hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of deaths, with 1.3 million lives lost each year. 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis B and C. Only 42% of children, globally, have access to the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. World Hepatitis Day is to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.
The World Health Organisation suggests the following towards our globe becoming free of hepatitis by 2030:
PREVENT infection among newborns by vaccinating against hepatitis B at birth, followed by at least 2 additional doses.
STOP TRANSMISSION from MOTHER to CHILD by routinely testing mothers for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis and ensuring treatment if needed.
LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND with everyone having access to hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment services, including those who inject drugs, are in prisons, are migrants and other highly-affected populations.
EXPAND access to testing and treatment as timely testing and treatment of viral hepatitis can prevent liver cancer and other severe liver diseases.
MAINTAIN essential hepatitis services during pandemics – particularly infant immunization, harm reduction services and continuous treatment of chronic hepatitis B.