World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is an annual Global event that each year provides international focus on and an opportunity around the world where groups can raise awareness and influence real change in disease prevention, access to testing and treatment.

Viral hepatitis has become and continues to be the most common cause of liver diseases worldwide.

 

Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) accounts for a global infected population of greater than 350 million people and is one of the largest causes of death worldwide. Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 175 million people. Of the individuals infected with HBV and HCV up to 240 million may develop cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer or liver failure.

The World Hepatitis Alliance first launched World Hepatitis Day in 2008, and since then over 600 events have taken place around the world, generating massive public and media interest. The Alliance has also received support from governments worldwide, high-profile Non-Governmental Organisations and supranational bodies, such as Médecins Sans Frontières.

Following the World Health Assembly in May 2010, it was agreed that World Hepatitis Day would be recognised annually on 28 July.