Liver Care, Liver Fundraising and Eliminating Viral Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day 2022

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28th of July every year to promote awareness about the hepatitis virus. This refers to a type of virus that causes liver inflammation leading to severe liver diseases.  Viral hepatitis can turn fatal which is especially worrisome considering how it affects millions of people around the world globally. In fact, according to WHO, every 30 seconds, one person dies of viral hepatitis, - with there being nearly 11,00,000 death each year due to hepatitis B and C infections. 

There are five strains of viral hepatitis which include A, B, C, D, and E. World Hepatitis Day is part of the official seven global public health days recognized by WHO. On 28th July each year, WHO encourages people worldwide to create awareness about the global threat of viral hepatitis. This day is recognized to improve international efforts in screening, preventive care, and managing viral hepatitis. It also focuses on boosting hepatitis vaccine coverage and coordinating with countries to take joint action to fight viral hepatitis. 

This year on World Hepatitis Day, WHO is trying to concentrate on bringing hepatitis care closer to communities and primary health facilities with the objective of providing better care and treatment to people with any type of hepatitis. WHO set a target to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, and to achieve this target, WHO gave specific objectives to countries given below:

• Reduce new cases of hepatitis B and C by 90%

• Reduce deaths by 65% from hepatitis-related diseases like liver cirrhosis and cancer

• Ensure that 90% of people with hepatitis B and C get an early diagnosis and 80% of people get appropriate treatment for it. 

Did you know that World Hepatitis Day was initially observed on 19th May when established in 2008? However, the date was changed to 28th July in 2010 after the World Health Assembly decided to honor Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg’s birthday for his work on  the Hepatitis B Virus. 

History Of World Hepatitis Day

1967- Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, an American physician, and geneticist, identified the first hepatitis virus.

1969- Invented the first hepatitis B vaccine.

1976- Awarded the Nobel prize in medicine for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus.

2004- First hepatitis-related awareness day was observed on 1st October 2004 as International Hepatitis C Awareness Day. It was organized and managed by European and Middle Eastern Patient Groups. 

2008- 19th May was declared the first international World Hepatitis Day by the World Hepatitis Alliance and different patient groups. 

2010- Later, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution and chose 28th July to commemorate Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg’s work and achievements. 

Theme For World Hepatitis Day 2022

The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2022 is “Bringing Hepatitis Care Closer To You,” focusing on promoting awareness related to hepatitis and implementing hepatitis care facilities in all sections of society, including rural areas. It ensures that everyone receives proper diagnosis and treatment for viral hepatitis. 

Last five years’ themes for World Hepatitis Day

2021- Hepatitis can’t wait

2020- Hepatitis free future

2019- Invest in eliminating hepatitis

2018- Test. Treat. Hepatitis

2017- Eliminate Hepatitis

How To Celebrate World Hepatitis Day 2022?

1. Learn everything about hepatitis viral infections, risk factors, preventive care, and treatment options.

2. Create awareness about hepatitis, its types, and vaccines available for hepatitis A and B.

3. Address the social stigma by educating people about viral hepatitis.

4. Listen to the podcast on World Hepatitis Day.

5. Attend virtual events related to hepatitis happening across the world. 

6. Share World Hepatitis Day posters and information on social media platforms to create awareness. 

Finally, if someone you know is looking to raise funds for hepatitis treatments expenses, you can support them by fundraising on ImpactGuru. Thousands of people battling different medical illnesses have successfully raised funds on ImpactGuru. We have made it easy to start a fundraiser, and with fundraising tips, ideas, and 24*7 customer support, you get all the support you need in every step of your fundraiser journey. 

Still, if you have any queries, contact us on our toll-free number 1800 891 2903.