World Hepatitis Day: Let It Serve as a Reminder
July 28th, known as World Hepatitis Day, serves as a stark reminder for many that with the “growing threat of the disease”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), that both the advocacy and continued education in regard to this virus need to be championed. Furthermore, with this day designated to recognize viral hepatitis, both health officials and doctors alike are able to continue to urge local and international organizations to further combat this issue.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for processing nutrients, filtering blood, and fighting infections. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with distinct modes of transmission and health impacts. Furthermore, the most prevalent two types are hepatitis B and C, as according to WHO, an estimated 304 million people worldwide live with these two types, with testing and treatment remaining “beyond reach”. On top of this, viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, which according to WHO, is the same as tuberculosis at 1.3 million deaths per year.
Symptoms of hepatitis can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and loss of appetite. While some forms of hepatitis resolve on their own, others can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer if left untreated. Prevention strategies include vaccination, practicing good hygiene, avoiding risky behaviors such as sharing needles, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis and may involve antiviral medications, lifestyle changes, and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Spreading Awareness
This is why it is vital to continue spreading awareness about this disease, as many of the deaths caused by this illness are both preventable and treatable. In fact, according to one study launched by WHO, “an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented low-and middle-income by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines and education campaigns.” Furthermore, in an attempt to do this, WHO/Europe is holding a webinar on Thursday, July 25, where they will discuss new recommendations for the treatment of hepatitis B and how countries plan to implement these new ideas.
According to one national hepatitis lawyer, who filed many of the hepatitis a lawsuits in the Townsend Farms outbreak, the tropical smoothie hepatitis outbreak, and in the Famous Anthony’s hepatitis outbreak, “This is a big step in regard to the goal of spreading both awareness and advocacy about this growing issue. Hopefully, this webinar can serve as a platform to get out to the public how truly dangerous viral hepatitis can be, and in the future limit the number of people affected by it.”
