World Hepatitis Day: 28 July, 2015

Hepatitis is a medical condition defined by the inflammation of the liver and characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms, but often leads to jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membrane, and conjunctiva), poor appetite, and malaise (a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify). Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six months and chronic when it persists longer.

Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day aims to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis as a major global health threat. All types of viral hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver; however, hepatitis B and C infection can result in a lifelong, chronic infection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 400 million people have chronic viral hepatitis worldwide and most of them do not know they are infected. More than 1 million people die each year from causes related to viral hepatitis, commonly cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

The date of July 28th was chosen for World Hepatitis Day in honor of the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus.

Key messages of the World Hepatitis Day 2015

• Prevent hepatitis – know the risks

Unsafe blood, unsafe injections, and sharing drug-injection equipment can all result in hepatitis infection.

• Prevent hepatitis – demand safe injections

2 million people a year contract hepatitis from unsafe injections. Using sterile, single-use syringes can prevent these infections

• Prevent hepatitis – vaccinate children

Approximately 780 000 persons die each year from hepatitis B infection. A safe and effective vaccine can protect from hepatitis B infection for life.

• Prevent hepatitis – get tested, seek treatment

Effective medicines exist to treat hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C.

CREDIT:

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/worldhepday.htm

http://worldhepatitisday.org/en/campaign-materials/infographics

http://www.who.int/campaigns/hepatitis-day/2015/event/en/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis

http://www.roche.com/roche-stories-2014-07-25-1.jpg