World Hepatitis Day 2024

World Hepatitis Day takes place on 28 July each year to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and unite in the fight against viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, mostly caused by a viral infection. Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are the five main types of hepatitis viruses. These are responsible for the greatest burden of illness and death from hepatitis and also have potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread.

Hepatitis is a global health problem. According to the World Hepatitis Alliance:

• Anyone can be affected by hepatitis, but it disproportionately affects those underserved by healthcare systems.
• Over 300 million people are living with hepatitis.
• 1.3 million people lose their lives to hepatitis each year, and the number of deaths is rising.
• Every hepatitis-related death is preventable thanks to existing prevention, testing and treatment services.
• 9 out of 10 people living with hepatitis are unaware of their diagnosis.

The theme for the 2024 global campaign is ' It’s time for action’ which aims to:

• raise awareness of viral hepatitis
• communicate the urgent need for action on hepatitis now
• reveal the social injustice caused by the lack of action on viral hepatitis
• raise the voices of the people and communities affected by viral hepatitis to demand positive action and fight stigma
• celebrate the global community combating hepatitis around the world
• call on policymakers, decision makers and global funders to join the fight to eliminate hepatitis

See the World Hepatitis Alliance website for further information on how you can get involved with the World Hepatitis Day 2024 campaign.

Further information is available via TRAVAX on:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis E
• Blood Borne Viral Infections (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV)