Hepatitis Awareness Day 2023: "I Refuse to Delay, I'll Take Action!"
World Hepatitis Day 2023: Taking Action Against Viral Hepatitis
July 28, 2023, marked World Hepatitis Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis. This year's theme, "I don't wait. I act!", underscores the urgent need for action to combat this common infectious disease.
Viral hepatitis is a significant health concern, leading to chronic liver inflammation, liver cirrhosis, or liver cancer in many cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, and several key actions can help achieve this goal.
One crucial aspect is increasing awareness and education about viral hepatitis. By reducing stigma and encouraging testing and treatment, we can align with global advocacy efforts to disseminate hepatitis knowledge effectively.
Another vital action is promoting and supporting hepatitis B vaccination, especially timely vaccination of newborns within 24 hours of birth. Supporting immunization programs, especially in regions with low coverage such as parts of Africa, can have a significant impact.
Early diagnosis is also essential, as many people with chronic hepatitis B or C remain undiagnosed until advanced liver disease develops. Facilitating access to testing, especially for high-risk and underserved populations, is crucial.
Supporting the use of effective treatments, like direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C, which have cure rates over 95%, is another key action. WHO-recommended treatment protocols are being updated to improve access and outcomes.
Advocating for and contributing to national and global hepatitis elimination plans is also important. Supporting policies and funding that align with the WHO targets of reducing new infections by 90% and mortality by 65% by 2030 can make a significant difference.
Helping dismantle systemic, social, and financial barriers that prevent timely vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment is another essential action. Supporting organizations working with marginalized communities, such as immigrants, homeless people, and ethnic minorities, and advocating for equitable healthcare access is crucial.
Specialized medical advice can help manage chronic infections of viral hepatitis and provide information on modern treatment options. People aged 35 and over who are insured by statutory health insurance can get tested for hepatitis B and C for free as part of the "health check-up".
Modern treatment options are available for managing chronic hepatitis B and C infections. Antiviral drugs can reduce the risk of complications such as liver cancer for patients with chronic hepatitis B. With the right medication, chronic hepatitis C can be completely cured.
Dr. Magnus Jung, Saarland's health minister, supports the WHO's goal to eliminate hepatitis. He encourages everyone to protect themselves and others from hepatitis infection.
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B offer protection and indirect protection against the hepatitis D virus. It's important to note that there is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C.
World Hepatitis Day serves to strengthen efforts to eradicate viral hepatitis by 2030. By engaging in these actions—raising community awareness, promoting vaccination, supporting testing and treatment access, and advocating policy and funding—we can contribute effectively to the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
[1] World Health Organization. (2023). Global hepatitis report 2021. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240021009
[2] World Health Organization. (2023). Viral hepatitis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Hepatitis B. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/index.htm
[4] World Hepatitis Alliance. (2023). World Hepatitis Day 2023. Retrieved from https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/world-hepatitis-day/world-hepatitis-day-2023/
- Achieving the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 requires efforts in both medical-conditions like hepatitis B and C and health-and-wellness initiatives, such as regular fitness-and-exercise and proper nutrition.
- Science plays a vital role in addressing chronic-diseases like viral hepatitis, with research leading to the development of effective treatments like direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C.
- Mental-health is essential in managing chronic infections of viral hepatitis, as it can provide emotional support for patients and help them navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes.
- Modern treatment options for managing chronic viral hepatitis are funded under health-insurance programs, with statutory health insurance offering free testing for hepatitis B and C for individuals aged 35 and over as part of a "health check-up".
