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World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day, observed every year on July 28, is a global health awareness campaign dedicated to raising awareness about hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. The day is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies to promote prevention, testing, and treatment of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed its vaccine, significantly contributing to global health.
The campaign highlights the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis, which often goes undetected until it causes severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. With millions of new infections occurring annually, particularly for hepatitis B and C, the need for early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. WHO and partner organizations use this day to emphasize the importance of vaccination, safe blood transfusions, and harm reduction strategies to prevent the spread of hepatitis. Free screening and vaccination drives are often conducted globally to encourage people to know their hepatitis status.
Each year, World Hepatitis Day follows a unique theme to focus on specific aspects of hepatitis elimination. The overarching goal is to achieve the WHO's target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Governments, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups come together to educate the public, reduce stigma, and push for better policies and healthcare access. By increasing awareness and expanding healthcare interventions, World Hepatitis Day plays a critical role in combating this global health crisis.