Millions of people around the world are living with hepatitis without even knowing it. Often called a "silent" disease, it can cause serious damage to the liver before symptoms become obvious. World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage testing and highlight the importance of prevention. By understanding the risks and recognising the value of early detection, individuals and families can take important steps to protect their health.
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Every year on 28 July, people around the world observe World Hepatitis Day, a global awareness campaign dedicated to increasing understanding of viral hepatitis and encouraging prevention, testing, and treatment. The date was chosen to honour the birthday of Dr Baruch Blumberg, the scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus and helped develop the first hepatitis B vaccine.
Despite major advances in medicine, viral hepatitis remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis B alone caused an estimated 1.1 million deaths in 2022, largely due to complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
As World Hepatitis Day shines a spotlight on this often-overlooked disease, here are seven important facts everyone should know.
1. Hepatitis Is Not Just One Disease
Many people assume hepatitis is a single illness, but the term actually refers to inflammation of the liver that can have several causes. The most common viral forms are:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each type differs in how it spreads, how severe it can become, and whether it causes short-term or long-term infection.
2. Millions of People Don’t Know They Have Hepatitis
One of the biggest challenges in combating hepatitis is that many infected individuals have no symptoms for years. The World Health Organisation estimates that only about 13% of people living with hepatitis B worldwide knew their status in 2022, while many others remained undiagnosed. Because symptoms may not appear until significant liver damage has occurred, testing plays a crucial role in early detection.
3. Hepatitis B and C Can Cause Liver Cancer
Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections are among the leading causes of liver cancer globally. According to the World Health Organization, chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, particularly when left untreated. Similarly, the World Health Organization notes that chronic hepatitis C infection can cause severe liver disease, including liver cancer and liver failure. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce these risks.
4. A Vaccine Can Prevent Hepatitis B
One of the most effective tools against hepatitis B is vaccination. The World Health Organization reports that the hepatitis B vaccine is 95% to 100% effective in preventing infection and its chronic consequences. Vaccination is particularly important because hepatitis B can spread through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids, including from mother to baby during childbirth. In South Africa, hepatitis B vaccination forms part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.
5. Hepatitis C Can Now Be Cured
Unlike hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, modern treatments have transformed outcomes for patients. According to the World Health Organization, direct-acting antiviral medications can cure more than 95% of people with hepatitis C infection. This means early testing and access to treatment can prevent long-term complications and significantly improve quality of life.
6. Hepatitis Doesn’t Always Cause Symptoms
Many people associate liver disease with jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, hepatitis often develops silently. The CDC notes that individuals with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C may have no symptoms for decades. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
Because these symptoms can resemble many other conditions, testing remains essential.
7. Eliminating Hepatitis Is Possible
Global health organizations believe viral hepatitis can be dramatically reduced through prevention, vaccination, testing, and treatment. The World Health Organization’s hepatitis elimination strategy aims to reduce new infections and hepatitis-related deaths substantially by 2030. Achieving this goal depends on improving awareness, expanding access to healthcare services, and encouraging more people to get tested.
Why World Hepatitis Day Matters
World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder that viral hepatitis remains a major public health issue despite being largely preventable and, in some cases, treatable or curable.
Greater awareness can help reduce stigma, encourage testing and ensure that people receive care before serious complications develop. Whether through vaccination, routine screening, or simply learning more about the disease, every step contributes to the global effort to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you have concerns about hepatitis, liver health, vaccination, or potential exposure to viral hepatitis, seek guidance from a licensed doctor or healthcare provider. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of information you have read online.
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