World Hepatitis Day 2023
Follow and join the conversation with #WorldHepatitisDay
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. The 2023 theme for WHD is “One Life. One Liver.” There are over one million hepatitis-related deaths every single year – and one new chronic infection every ten seconds. And that’s why liver health is fundamental to human health. The World Hepatitis Alliance’s top priories are to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 and encourage people to test and get treated.
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
Countdown to World Hepatitis Day 2023
Every year, more than a million lives are lost to #hepatitis. We’re #NotWaiting for change – we’re fighting to make it happen.
As we count down to #WorldHepatitisDay, let’s raise awareness of viral hepatitis and the urgent need for testing and treatment for the real people who… pic.twitter.com/TYQ1sd8k7B
— World Hepatitis Alliance (@Hep_Alliance) July 12, 2023
I Can’t Wait
‘I can’t wait’ is a campaign which will highlight the need to accelerate the fight against viral hepatitis and the importance of testing and treatment for the real people who need it. The campaign will amplify the voices of people affected by viral hepatitis calling for immediate action and the end of stigma and discrimination.
Multimedia from WHO
The World Health Organization has curated a range on multimedia to spread awareness about hepatitis. Check out the WHO’s hepatitis information and resources, their full hepatitis playlist, as well as viewing this World Hepatitis Day video.
