Friday Five – World Hepatitis Day 2024
Follow and join the conversation with #WorldHepatitisDay
Every year, 1.3 million people lose their lives to hepatitis. And new data from the World Health Organization shows the number of deaths is rising. World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28th, serves as a crucial reminder of the global burden of viral hepatitis and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat this silent epidemic. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day aims to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and promote access to treatment for the millions affected by hepatitis worldwide. This week’s Friday Five explores five key aspects of World Hepatitis Day, shedding light on its significance, the challenges faced, and the strides being made towards a hepatitis-free future.
History of World Hepatitus Day
World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is celebrated on the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg every year on July 28. Dr. Blumberg was responsible for both the discovery of the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and the development the first hepatitis B vaccine in 1969. Because of these outstanding achievements, Dr. Blumberg won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976. This day is observed annually by many organizations world-wide including the World Health Organization (@WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDCgov.) World Hepatitis Day’s main goals are to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, to create opportunities to educate people about these infections, to combat viral hepatitis around the world, and to publicize actions that people can take to prevent these infections.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Hepatitis can cause acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease. Viral hepatitis impacts more than 354 million people worldwide and results in more than one million deaths every year. Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a viral hepatitis related illness. However, with the existing prevention, testing and treatment services that are available every hepatitis related death is preventable. Hepatitis can affect anyone, but it has a disproportionate affect on the people and communities most underserved by health systems. Hear real stories from people affected by hepatitis.
What can you do for World Hepatitis Day (WHD)?
Sponsored by the World Hepatitis Alliance (@Hep_Alliance) the day will consist of many events with opportunities to get involved and spread the word. To get involved check out the World Hepatitis Alliance, and World Hepatitis Day websites including customizable campaign resources for ideas, activities and events. Resources come in a variety of languages. Check out these actions that will take a little amount of time but create a big impact: One-Minute Actions, Ten Minute Actions, and Longer Actions
World Hepatitis Day 2024 Hero Film
Global hepatitis webinar – It’s time for action!
On Monday 29 July 2024, 12:30 – 14:30 pm (CEST), WHO is organizing a global webinar on the campaign theme It’s time for action, and sub-theme Global hepatitis response: Closing the gap towards the 2030 elimination goals. This broad theme highlights the fact that progress, as well as action, have stalled and that the global health community needs to get back on track toward viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. Register today!
What are your plans for #WorldHepatitisDay? Find out how @globalhep is celebrating here, including webinars with @WHO and a custom zoom background you can download!https://t.co/3xfXV7MX59 pic.twitter.com/du8i0lAgME
— Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (@GlobalHep) July 24, 2024
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