World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day History

World Hepatitis Day is an annual observance that aims to raise global awareness about viral hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases that includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The event seeks to encourage prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, which together account for 1.34 million deaths per year worldwide. It also advocates for policy improvements and increased funding for viral hepatitis research and healthcare, given that the majority of the 325 million infected individuals lack access to proper testing and treatment.

The observance traces its origins back to 2008, when the World Hepatitis Alliance and the European Liver Patient Association established World Hepatitis Day. Later in 2010, the World Health Assembly officially recognized July 28 as the designated date to commemorate the day, coinciding with the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus. In Canada, viral hepatitis is a significant public health concern, with an estimated 250,000 people living with hepatitis C and 70,800 with hepatitis B. The country is committed to eliminating hepatitis C by 2030 in line with the World Health Organization's global target.

To observe World Hepatitis Day in Canada, numerous activities and events are organized by various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare institutions, patient advocacy groups, and community-based organizations. These initiatives focus on raising public awareness, providing educational resources, offering free testing at select locations, and promoting vaccination. World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28.

World Hepatitis Day facts

• The theme for World Hepatitis Day in 2023 was Don't miss the target.
• The first reported case of hepatitis after a blood transfusion was in 1938 by R. Junet and W. Junet in the Revue Médicale Suisse.
• Despite the significant number of people living with hepatitis B and C in Canada, many are unaware of their infection. It is estimated that 40-70% of those living with hepatitis C in Canada and about 67% of those with hepatitis B are unaware they are infected, highlighting the importance of testing and early diagnosis.
• Approximately 76% of Canadians with chronic hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1975. The current prevalence of hepatitis C is highest among individuals aged 50-59 years.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Hepatitis Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Hepatitis Day

• Get tested for Hepatitis. Many people have it but go undiagnosed.
• Donate to help raise awareness about hepatitis.
• Watch Hepatitis C: The Silent Epidemic. Produced by Rogers Television, this documentary showcases the alarming spread of Hepatitis C in Canada and the adverse effects it has on individuals and communities.
• Read Hepatitis C: What You Need to Know by Health Canada. This publication offers essential information on Hepatitis C, including risk factors, symptoms, testing, and treatment options in Canada.