Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by a viral infection. However, it can also be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. The main types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each of which is transmitted in different ways and has different health effects. World Hepatitis Day is observed annually as a global effort to raise awareness about hepatitis, highlighting the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment. The effort also advocates for strengthened public health policies to effectively combat hepatitis. Learn more about the day’s theme, history, and significance. (After reading: Sawan 2024: The month of Shravan begins today. Be the first to know Sawan Somwar Vrat Puja Vidhi, Samagri, Rules, Mantras and Bhog )
Date and theme of World Hepatitis Day 2024
This year, World Hepatitis Day will be observed on Sunday, 28 July. The theme for 2024, “The Time to Act”, highlights the urgent need for rapid and decisive action to tackle hepatitis globally. This call to action is further strengthened by the alarming statistic that one person dies from a hepatitis-related illness every 30 seconds.
History of World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28th and aims to raise awareness about hepatitis, including infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. The date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Baruch Bloomberg, a Nobel Prize winner who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the 1960s and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine. Originally celebrated on May 19th, it was moved to July 28th in 2010. The first community-led World Hepatitis Day was organized in 2008 by the Global Hepatitis Alliance, which was founded in 2007.
Significance of World Hepatitis Day 2024
World Hepatitis Day aims to raise public awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on public health. The day provides an opportunity for communities, individuals and policymakers to learn about the different types of hepatitis, prevention strategies, testing and treatment options.
World Hepatitis Day promotes global support and cooperation to combat the rising incidence of hepatitis-related illnesses and deaths. By highlighting the importance of strengthening vaccination, early diagnosis and improving access to health services, World Hepatitis Day is crucial in facilitating a coordinated global response and working towards the WHO goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030.