There are many diseases in the world that affect people in many ways, and most of the time they go unrecognized until it is too late. Hepatitis is one such disease that causes inflammation of liver tissue and affects the lives of millions of people worldwide. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated every year on 28 July due to many people not being aware of the infection. Its aim is to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. This is an opportunity to know and tell about one’s hepatitis status and its treatment.
Cause of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known by its many variants such as A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but there are other risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, certain medications, and certain medical conditions. Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by the consumption of contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B, C and D are caused by exposure to infected blood and body fluids. Hepatitis D affects people who are already affected by Hepatitis B. Apart from that, the spread of hepatitis is also due to transmission of virus from mother to child, unprotected sex, use of unsafe needles.
The World Health Organization has identified hepatitis as a major health concern for India. According to him, in 2020 about 40 million people were infected with Hepatitis B, and 60 lakh to 12 million with Hepatitis C. According to the Indian Journal of Medical Research, about 250,000 people in India die every year from viral hepatitis or its sequelae. A research conducted by the World Health Organization has estimated that 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented by 2030 in low- and middle-income countries through vaccination, screening, medicine and awareness campaigns.
History of Hepatitis Day
Nobel laureate Dr. Baruch S. Today is celebrated in honor of Blumberg. American scientist’s contribution to research on hepatitis B cannot be forgotten. Born on July 28, 1925, the Nobel laureate discovered the hepatitis B virus and later developed a vaccine to test and treat it. World Hepatitis Day received global recognition at the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010.
World Hepatitis Theme
The theme for 2021 is ‘Hepatitis Can’t Wait’, which highlights the need for urgent efforts to eliminate hepatitis as a health risk by 2030. The topic focuses on people who are unaware they have viral hepatitis and cannot wait for testing or life-saving treatment. Pregnant women must wait for hepatitis screening and treatment. Hepatitis sufferers can’t wait for the stigma and discrimination to end.