World hepatitis day celebration :it’s time for action

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections but also due to other factors such as alcohol consumption, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. The main types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with different modes of transmission and potential health impacts. 

Types of Hepatitis

- Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food and water, often linked to poor sanitation. It typically causes acute infections and is preventable through vaccination.

- Hepatitis B : Spread via contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can cause both acute and chronic infections and is preventable through vaccination.

- Hepatitis C: Primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, often via shared needles. It can result in chronic liver disease and has no vaccine, but it is treatable with antiviral medications.

- Hepatitis D: Occurs only in individuals already infected with hepatitis B, as it requires the hepatitis B virus to replicate. It is preventable by vaccinating against hepatitis B.

- Hepatitis E: Typically spread through contaminated water and primarily affects regions with poor sanitation. It usually causes acute infections and is preventable through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

  World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28th as a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about hepatitis, promoting prevention, testing, and treatment, and advocating for better public health policies to combat the disease. The day is an opportunity for health organizations, governments, and communities to come together and take action against this significant public health issue.

World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 each year to raise awareness about hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. This date was chosen to honour the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel Laureate who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it.

History

The World Hepatitis Alliance established World Hepatitis Day in 2008 to address the lack of awareness and understanding of hepatitis. The date, July 28th, was chosen in honor of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first hepatitis B vaccine.

Significance

The significance of World Hepatitis Day lies in its role in:

- Raising Awareness: Increasing knowledge about the different types of hepatitis and their transmission routes.

- Promoting Prevention: Encouraging vaccination, safer practices, and hygiene to prevent infection.

- Improving Access to Testing and Treatment: Highlighting the need for accessible diagnostic and treatment services, especially in low-resource settings.

- Advocating for Better Health Policies: Urging governments and health organizations to implement effective policies and programs to combat hepatitis.

Theme for 2024

The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2024 is "It's time for action." This theme emphasizes the urgency of taking decisive steps to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat. It calls for global commitment to:

- Prevention: Enhancing vaccination coverage and promoting safer behaviors.

- Diagnostics: Improving diagnostic capabilities with point-of-care viral load testing and identifying hepatitis D through established testing protocols.

- Treatment: Ensuring high-quality services and access to effective treatments for all those affected by hepatitis.

Prevention Strategies

To lower your risk of hepatitis, consider the following prevention strategies:

- Vaccination: Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

- Good Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, especially handwashing, to prevent hepatitis A and E.

- Safe Practices: Avoid sharing needles and ensure safe blood transfusions to prevent hepatitis B and C.

- Safe Sex: Use condoms and practice safe sex to reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C.

- Clean Water: Ensure access to clean water and proper sanitation to prevent hepatitis A and E.

- Regular Screening: Get tested regularly if you are at higher risk for hepatitis B and C.

Global Burden

• Prevalence: Hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide, with hepatitis B and C being the most common. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are major causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

• Mortality: Hepatitis-related liver diseases result in significant mortality, with an estimated 1.1 million deaths annually.

• Impact: The economic burden of hepatitis is substantial, including healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Barriers to Elimination

• Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma and discrimination against individuals with hepatitis hinder their ability to seek care and treatment.

• Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware they are infected due to the asymptomatic nature of chronic hepatitis, leading to late diagnosis and treatment.

• Limited Access: In many regions, there is limited access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, particularly in low-income countries.

Global Goals

• WHO Targets: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets to eliminate hepatitis B and C by 2030, aiming to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%.

• National Strategies: Countries are encouraged to develop and implement national hepatitis action plans, including vaccination programs, public awareness campaigns, and integration of hepatitis services into primary healthcare.

Actions for Individuals

• Regular Check-ups: Individuals at risk should get regular medical check-ups and screenings for hepatitis.

• Avoid Risky Behaviors: Avoid behaviors that increase the risk of hepatitis infection, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex.

• Education: Educate yourself and others about the transmission and prevention of hepatitis to reduce stigma and promote proactive health behaviors.

Community and Organizational Actions

• Public Health Campaigns: Organize and participate in public health campaigns to raise awareness and promote hepatitis prevention and treatment.

• Support Services: Establish support services for individuals living with hepatitis to provide counseling, education, and assistance in navigating healthcare systems.

• Advocacy: Advocate for policy changes and increased funding for hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment programs.

Innovations and Research

• Vaccine Development: Continued research into new and improved vaccines for hepatitis B and E, as well as a potential vaccine for hepatitis C.

• Antiviral Therapies: Development of new antiviral therapies to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic hepatitis infections.

• Point-of-Care Testing: Advancements in point-of-care testing technologies to enable rapid and accurate diagnosis in various settings.

Success Stories

• Country Achievements: Highlighting success stories from countries that have made significant progress in reducing hepatitis prevalence through effective policies and programs.

• Patient Stories: Sharing personal stories of individuals who have successfully managed or overcome hepatitis to inspire and inform others.

By expanding efforts on multiple fronts, including awareness, prevention, treatment, and policy advocacy, we can make significant strides towards the elimination of hepatitis as a global health threat.We can work towards a future free from hepatitis-related illnesses and deaths.