World Hepatitis Day: Raising awareness of the global burden

Hepatitis as we all know it is an inflammation of the liver. According to WHO, hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis but other infections, toxic substances like alcohol, certain drugs, and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are five main types of hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These five viruses are of the greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and their potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread.

The significance of world hepatitis day is to raise awareness about the global disease. WHO aims to achieve hepatitis elimination by 2030. In order to achieve the target, WHO calls on countries to achieve the following: -Reduce new infections of Hepatitis B and C by 90 percent; -Reduce hepatitis-related deaths from liver cirrhosis and cancer by 65 percent; -Ensure that at least 90 percent of people with Hepatitis B and C virus are diagnosed; and -At least 80 percent of those eligible receive the appropriate treatment.

For 2022, the theme is 'Bringing hepatitis care closer to you. The goal is to raise awareness about the need to simplify and bring hepatitis care to primary health facilities, community-based venues, and locations beyond hospital sites so that care is closer to communities and people wherever they are.

So, your participation and support can help to ensure a greater impact on World Hepatitis Day, increasing awareness worldwide about viral hepatitis.