Hepatitis is a serious inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe disease and liver cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis causes more than one million deaths each year, and 325 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C¹. Yet, many people are unaware of their infection status and miss the opportunity to receive life-saving treatment.
World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is an annual event that takes place on July 28th, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed a vaccine for it². The aim of WHD is to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The theme for WHD 2023 is "We're not waiting". It is a call to action for everyone to take steps to accelerate the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, as set by the WHO³. Here are some ways you can boost hepatitis awareness and prevention on WHD and beyond:
- **Get tested and treated for hepatitis**. Testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B or C, and treatment can prevent liver damage and death. You can find out where to get tested near you on the [World Hepatitis Day website](https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/).
- **Get vaccinated for hepatitis**. Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A and B, which can be transmitted through contaminated food, water or bodily fluids. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but it can be cured with antiviral drugs. Ask your health care provider about your vaccination status and options.
- **Spread the word about hepatitis**. You can raise awareness of viral hepatitis by sharing information and stories on social media, using the hashtag #WorldHepatitisDay. You can also join or organize events in your community, such as screenings, workshops or rallies. You can find campaign materials and resources on the [World Hepatitis Day website](https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/).
- **Support hepatitis advocacy and research**. You can support the efforts of organizations and groups that work to improve hepatitis policies, services and funding. You can also donate to or participate in research projects that aim to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat viral hepatitis.
- **End stigma and discrimination against people living with hepatitis**. You can help create a supportive and respectful environment for people living with hepatitis by challenging myths and stereotypes, educating yourself and others, and showing compassion and solidarity.
Hepatitis can't wait. We're not waiting. Let's join forces to make viral hepatitis history by 2030.
¹: [World Hepatitis Day - World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day)
²: [World Hepatitis Day - World Hepatitis Day](https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/)
³: [World Hepatitis day 2023 - World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day/2023)
Source: Conversation with Bing, 7/30/2023
(1) World Hepatitis Day - World Hepatitis Day. https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/.
(2) World Hepatitis Day - World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day.
(3) World Hepatitis day 2022 - World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day/2022.
(4) World Hepatitis Day is July 28th | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/awareness/worldhepday.htm.
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