World Hepatitis Day History
World Hepatitis Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the various forms of viral hepatitis, with a focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The goal of this day is to encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take action to combat the spread of hepatitis and eventually eliminate this life-threatening illness. Viral hepatitis, which includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, affects millions of people worldwide, causing both acute and chronic liver disease, and resulting in over one million deaths each year.
Although World Hepatitis Day was initiated by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2008, it was officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010. Hepatitis is prevalent in the United States as well, with over 4 million people suffering from chronic hepatitis B or C infection. For Americans, the most common types of the disease are hepatitis B and C, both of which can be spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. People in the United States can be exposed to hepatitis through contaminated needles, unsterilized tattoo equipment, or sexual contact with an infected individual.
In the United States, World Hepatitis Day is observed through various educational events, awareness campaigns, and community-based screenings, drawing attention to the importance of early detection, vaccination, and treatment. Healthcare organizations and advocacy groups use this day as an opportunity to highlight the need for increased immunization rates and improved access to affordable healthcare for those living with hepatitis. World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28th.
World Hepatitis Day facts
The theme for World Hepatitis Day in 2023 was Don't miss the target.
The first reported case of hepatitis after a blood transfusion was in 1938 by R. Junet and W. Junet in the Revue Médicale Suisse.
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water or coming into contact with an infected person's feces.
Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease. It is transmitted through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids.
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