| World Hepatitis Day | | | Professor (Dr.) Vikas Sharma, Ms. Komal Sudan | 7/27/2026 9:57:33 PM |
| World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28 July to draw global attention to viral hepatitis, a major public health concern that continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Despite being preventable and, in many cases, treatable or even curable, hepatitis remains one of the leading causes of liver disease and liver cancer, claiming more than a million lives each year. The observance aims to increase public understanding of the disease, encourage early diagnosis, promote vaccination, treatment and inspire collective action to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat. The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first successful vaccine against it. His pioneering contributions transformed the prevention and control of hepatitis and continue to benefit global health today.
Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver, one of the body’s most important organs. The liver performs numerous essential functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing proteins required for blood clotting, storing vitamins and nutrients, regulating metabolism and aiding in digestion. When the liver becomes inflamed, these vital functions can be disrupted, leading to a wide range of health complications. Hepatitis may develop due to several factors such as viral infections, excessive alcohol intake, autoimmune diseases, certain medications or exposure to harmful chemicals. However, viral hepatitis is by far the most common form of the disease. It is caused by five distinct viruseshepatitis A, B, C, D, and Eeach of which differs in its method of transmission, severity and potential long-term effects on liver health.Among the different forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C pose the greatest threat because they frequently become chronic infections. Unlike acute infections, chronic hepatitis often progresses silently, causing gradual liver damage over many years without producing obvious symptoms. One of the major obstacles in combating hepatitis is that many infected individuals remain unaware of their condition until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Viral hepatitis continues to be a significant global health challenge. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections and over one million people lose their lives each year due to hepatitis-related liver diseases. Although effective vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, and highly successful treatments can cure most cases of hepatitis C, millions of infected individuals remain undiagnosed or are unable to access appropriate healthcare. Poor awareness, inadequate screening services, limited healthcare resources and the stigma associated with the disease continue to slow global efforts to eliminate hepatitis.
Every year, World Hepatitis Day focuses on a specific theme that highlights key priorities in the fight against hepatitis. In recent years, the emphasis has been on expanding access to testing, treatment and integrated healthcare services to support the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. The campaign reinforces the message that eliminating hepatitis is achievable through stronger vaccination programs, safe medical practices, improved public awareness, affordable diagnostic facilities and equitable access to treatment. Governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organizationsand individuals all have important roles to play in making this vision a reality.The various hepatitis viruses spread through different routes, making awareness of transmission methods essential for prevention.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are commonly transmitted through contaminated food and drinking water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Hepatitis B is primarily spread through contact with infected blood and other body fluids, including unsafe medical injectionsand transmission from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact, especially through the sharing of contaminated needles or improperly sterilized medical equipment. Hepatitis D is unique because it can infect only individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B, making hepatitis B vaccination an effective way to prevent both diseases.
Preventing hepatitis is far more effective than treating its long-term complications.
Vaccination has proven to be one of the greatest public health achievements in reducing hepatitis B infections worldwide. In addition to vaccination, maintaining good personal hygiene, drinking safe water, consuming properly prepared food, avoiding the sharing of needles and personal grooming items, ensuring screened blood transfusions and using sterilized medical or cosmetic equipment are all important preventive measures. Public education campaigns also help people understand how hepatitis spreads and encourage healthier behaviours that reduce the risk of infection.Detecting hepatitis at an early stage greatly improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent the spread of infection to others. A range of blood tests is available to identify hepatitis viruses, evaluate liver function and determine the severity of liver damage.
India continues to face a considerable burden of viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To address this challenge, the Government of India introduced the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) under the National Health Mission. The programme focuses on increasing public awareness, strengthening prevention strategies, expanding access to screening and diagnosis and providing free treatment to eligible patients. It also promotes universal immunization, safe injection practices, blood safety, surveillance and improved healthcare services across the country. In addition to its physical health consequences, hepatitis often has a profound emotional and social impact on affected individuals. Many people living with hepatitis experience stigma, discrimination and social isolation because of widespread misconceptions surrounding the disease. Fear of being judged may discourage individuals from getting tested or seeking treatment, resulting in delayed diagnosis and poorer health outcomes. Promoting accurate information, encouraging supportive healthcare environments and challenging myths associated with hepatitis are crucial steps toward reducing stigma and improving the quality of life for those living with the disease.
The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu
World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity for schools, colleges, healthcare institutions, workplaces and community organizations to actively participate in spreading awareness about liver health. Activities such as educational seminars, vaccination campaigns, free health check-up camps, social media campaigns and public exhibitions help inform communities about hepatitis prevention and treatment. Such initiatives encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular screening and support efforts to eliminate hepatitis. In conclusion, World Hepatitis Day serves as a powerful reminder that protecting liver health should be a public health priority. Every individual has a role to play by adopting preventive practices, sharing accurate information and supporting those affected by the disease. Through united efforts, stronger healthcare systems and greater public awareness, the vision of a hepatitis-free world can gradually become a reality. |
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