World Hepatitis Day 2025: Breaking Barriers to Eliminate Hepatitis
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | World Hepatitis Day observed on 28th July annually. |
| Significance | Marks birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, discoverer of Hepatitis B virus and vaccine. |
| 2025 Theme | "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down" - Focus on removing barriers to care. |
| Global Goal | Eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 (WHO target). |
| Types of Hepatitis | A, B, C, D, E - Differ in transmission, severity, and prevention. |
| Transmission | HAV/HEV: Contaminated food/water. HBV/HCV/HDV: Blood, sex, mother-to-child. |
| Prevention | Vaccination (A & B), hygiene, safe medical practices, blood screening. |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain (often asymptomatic). |
| Chronic Risks | Cirrhosis, liver failure, cancer (B & C are major chronic threats). |
| Diagnosis | Blood tests (HBsAg, Anti-HCV), LFTs, imaging (ultrasound/elastography). |
| At-Risk Groups | Unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, blood transfusion recipients, etc. |
| Awareness Actions | Testing campaigns, vaccination drives, social media engagement (#WorldHepatitisDay). |