World Hepatitis Day 2022 Date, Theme, History & Significance

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28th July every year by the World Health Organisation(WHO).

Organizations from all around the world use World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness regarding this problem and share what effective measures need to be done for prevention and control of viral hepatitis.

History of world Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is marked on 28th July every year on the birth anniversary of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg and he was born on July 28, 1925. He discovered the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). He also developed a diagnostic test and vaccine to treat the Hep-B virus.

World Hepatitis Day received global recognition when the World Health Assembly paased the resolution in May 2010.

Significance of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is a chance for us to promote such activities which can provide awareness regarding different types of hepatitis and how they are transmitted.

We need to improve the preventive care system and we need to manage it better. We also need to emphasize more on the necessity of boosting hepatitis B vaccination coverage.

Hepatitis Vaccination should be mandatory and proper channels of distribution should be arranged for the vaccination.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A : Hepatitis A is an acute, short-term disease and it is the result of an infection of hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a chronic condition and it is caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a bloodborne infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in the areas where there are no proper facilities to deal with contaminated water and in the areas of poor sanitation facilities.