Hepatitis is a condition in which the liver becomes inflamed, usually caused by a viral infection. However, it can also be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. The primary types of viral hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each of which have unique modes of transmission and varying health effects. World Hepatitis Day is observed every year as a global effort to raise awareness about hepatitis, emphasizing the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment. The initiative also advocates for better public health policies to effectively combat the disease. Read on to learn about the theme, history, and significance of this day. (Read: Sawan 2024: Shravan month starts from today; know first Sawan Somwar fast puja vidhi, samagri, rules, mantra, bhog ,
World Hepatitis Day 2024 Date and Theme
This year, World Hepatitis Day will be celebrated on Sunday, July 28. The 2024 theme, “It’s time for action”, highlights the urgent need for rapid and decisive measures to combat hepatitis globally. This call for action is further reinforced by the worrying statistic that every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related illness.
History of World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness about hepatitis, which includes the infectious diseases hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. The date was chosen in honour of the birthday of Nobel laureate Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the 1960s and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it. Initially observed on May 19, the day was moved to July 28 in 2010. The first community-driven World Hepatitis Day was organised in 2008 by the World Hepatitis Alliance, which was founded in 2007.
Significance of World Hepatitis Day 2024
The significance of World Hepatitis Day lies in raising awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on public health. The day provides communities, individuals, and policymakers with an opportunity to learn about the different types of hepatitis as well as prevention strategies, testing, and treatment options.
It promotes global advocacy and collaboration in tackling the rising number of hepatitis-related illnesses and deaths. By emphasising the importance of improved vaccination, early diagnosis and better access to healthcare, World Hepatitis Day is key to promoting a coordinated worldwide response and working towards WHO’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030.
