World Hepatitis Day 2023: Date, Theme & History

World Hepatitis Day 2023

World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28th every year, aims to raise awareness about the serious liver disease known as Hepatitis. Hepatitis can be caused by various agents, including bacteria, viruses, or parasites. On this day, efforts are made to educate people about the risks associated with Hepatitis and the preventive measures that can be taken to avoid the disease. World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder to commemorate those who have suffered from Hepatitis and emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness to protect public health. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and theme of World Hepatitis Day 2023.

World Hepatitis Day 2023: History

In the year 2007, The World Hepatitis Alliance was formed. World Hepatitis Day was first organized by the community in 2008. The history of World Hepatitis Day can be traced back to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA). The idea of designating a specific day for hepatitis awareness was first discussed during the 63rd World Health Assembly in 2010. In May 2010, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution, officially endorsing the establishment of World Hepatitis Day. The date chosen was July 28th, in honor of the birthday of Nobel-prize-winning scientist Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the same.

The first World Hepatitis Day was observed on July 28, 2011, marking the beginning of a global campaign to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. Since then, World Hepatitis Day has been observed annually, gaining momentum with increasing participation from governments, organizations, healthcare professionals, and the general public worldwide.

World Hepatitis Day 2023 Check in Hindi

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Significance

World Hepatitis Day 2023 serves as a critical reminder to raise public awareness about the dangers of Hepatitis. It is essential for individuals to be well-informed about Hepatitis and the various preventive measures available. Hepatitis is caused by five primary strains: A, B, C, D, and E, each with distinct origins, modes of transmission, and levels of severity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 354 million people worldwide are affected by Hepatitis B and C. While all strains lead to liver disease, the symptoms, transmission, and impact can vary. Those affected may experience fatigue, stomach pain, fever, and, in severe cases, liver failure and brain damage. However, some individuals may not show any symptoms of hepatitis, making awareness and early detection crucial.

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.

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Theme

The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2023 is ‘One Life, One Liver’. We’ve only got one life, and we’ve only got one liver. Hepatitis can devastate both.  The focus of this year’s World Hepatitis Day is to underscore the significance of a healthy liver for overall well-being. It emphasizes the urgent need to intensify efforts in viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment to promote optimal liver health, prevent liver diseases, and work towards achieving the ambitious goal of eliminating hepatitis by the year 2030.