World Hepatitis Day – Important Facts
1. Date
World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July.
2. Why 28 July?
The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed the first hepatitis B vaccine.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976.
3. Organized by
World Hepatitis Day is led by the World Health Organization in collaboration with governments, health organizations, and communities worldwide.
4. What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection, but it can also result from alcohol, certain medicines, or autoimmune diseases.
5. Types of Viral Hepatitis
There are five main hepatitis viruses:
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Hepatitis E (HEV)
6. How It Spreads
Hepatitis A & E: Contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B, C & D: Infected blood and body fluids, unsafe injections, unprotected sex, and from mother to child during childbirth.
7. Common Symptoms
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
8. Prevention
Vaccination is available for Hepatitis A and B.
Practice good hygiene.
Drink safe water and eat hygienic food.
Avoid sharing needles or razors.
Ensure safe blood transfusions.
Practice safe sex.
9. Can It Be Treated?
Many hepatitis infections are preventable.
Hepatitis C can often be cured with modern antiviral medicines.
Hepatitis B can be effectively managed with treatment, though a complete cure is not yet available.
10. Global Importance
Hepatitis causes millions of infections worldwide and remains a major cause of liver disease, liver cancer, and premature death.
Early testing and treatment can save lives.
11. WHO Goal
The WHO aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 through vaccination, testing, treatment, and prevention.
12. 2026 Theme
The official global campaign theme for World Hepatitis Day 2026 is "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down." It emphasizes breaking down barriers to awareness, testing, prevention, and treatment. (Always check for any local adaptations announced by health authorities.)
Quick Quiz Facts
📅 Date: 28 July
🧬 Main organ affected: Liver
🦠 Types: A, B, C, D, E
💉 Vaccine available for: Hepatitis A & B
🏆 Nobel laureate associated with the day: Dr. Baruch Blumberg
🎯 WHO target: Eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030
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