World Hepatitis Day 2023: Date, Theme, History and Significance

World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28th every year aims to increase public knowledge of the dangerous liver condition known as Hepatitis. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are just a few of the different types of agents that can cause hepatitis. On this day, initiatives are made to inform the public about the dangers of hepatitis and the precautions that can be taken to avoid the illness. World Hepatitis Day emphasises the significance of raising awareness to safeguard the public’s health and acts as a reminder to remember those who have died from hepatitis. We shall examine the background, meaning, and theme of World Hepatitis Day 2023 in this article.

World Hepatitis Day 2023 History

The World Hepatitis Alliance was established in 2007. In 2008, the public initially arranged for World Hepatitis Day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) are responsible for the creation of World Hepatitis Day. In 2010, at the 63rd World Health Assembly, the notion of designating a dedicated day for hepatitis awareness was first raised.

The creation of World Hepatitis Day was formally supported by a resolution passed by the World Health Assembly in May 2010. Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and created a diagnostic test and vaccination for it, was born on July 28, hence that day was chosen as the celebration day.

On July 28, 2011, the first World Hepatitis Day was commemorated, commencing a global initiative to increase knowledge of viral hepatitis and support initiatives for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since then, governments, organisations, medical experts, and the general people have all increased their engagement in the annual observation of World Hepatitis Day.

World Hepatitis Day 2023 Theme

‘One Life, One Liver’ will be the focus of World Hepatitis Day in 2023. We each have a single liver and a single life. Both can be destroyed by hepatitis.  This year’s World Hepatitis Day emphasizes the value of a healthy liver for all-around well-being. In order to ensure optimal liver health, avoid liver illnesses, and strive towards the ambitious goal of eliminating hepatitis by the year 2030, it emphasizes the urgent need to step up efforts in viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment.

World Hepatitis Day 2023 Significance

2023’s World Hepatitis Day will serve as a crucial reminder to spread the word about the risks associated with hepatitis. People must be knowledgeable about hepatitis and the numerous possible preventative strategies. There are five main strains that cause hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Each has unique origins, means of transmission, and degrees of severity.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that hepatitis B and C impact 354 million people worldwide. All strains cause liver disease, but the signs, how it’s spread, and how it affects people can differ. Fatigue, stomach ache, fever, and, in severe circumstances, liver failure and brain damage, may be experienced by those who are affected. However, some people may not exhibit any hepatitis symptoms, making awareness and early detection essential.

On this day, numerous health campaigns and events are organized to raise awareness about Hepatitis and its prevention. Through these initiatives, people are educated about the disease’s risks and ways to protect themselves and their communities. By empowering individuals with knowledge and promoting preventive measures, World Hepatitis Day strives to curb the spread of Hepatitis and improve global public health.

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