World Hepatitis Day 2024

World Hepatitis Day 2024

World Hepatitis Day, which falls on July 28, aims to increase public awareness of viral hepatitis, a liver inflammation that can lead to malignancy and serious liver damage. The theme for this year is "Time to Act!" We need to move quickly to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis since one person dies from a linked condition every thirty seconds. This will save lives and lead to better health outcomes. Hepatitis virus strains A, B, C, D, and E are the five major strains. Hepatitis B and C, when combined, are the most prevalent infections, accounting for 2.2 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths annually. Coverage rates for testing and treatment have stagnated despite improved diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and declining product costs. Nevertheless, achieving the WHO eradication target by 2030 .

Comprehending Hepatitis: The most common and serious threats to international health are Hepatitis B and C. An estimated 1.34 million people die each year from chronic liver disorders caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people continue to be ignorant of their infection status, which contributes to the diseases' quiet spread even in the face of vaccines and therapies.Usually spread by tainted food and water, hepatitis A and E can cause acute illnesses that can spark large-scale epidemics, particularly in places with inadequate sanitation. Only when hepatitis B is present does the distinct virus known as hepatitis D arise, which exacerbates HBV infections.

The Worldwide Assignment:-It is projected that 296 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B in 2019 and 58 million had chronic hepatitis C. These figures are from the World Health Organisation (WHO). There is still a lack of knowledge and comprehension about hepatitis despite these startling statistics. It is important to screen widely and find the virus early because many infected individuals do not show any symptoms until severe liver disease develops.Hepatitis has a substantial financial cost as well. Particularly in low- and middle-income nations, the costs of medical care, lost productivity, and long-term treatment for chronic infections put a significant burden on healthcare systems. With a goal of 65% mortality and 90% reduction in new infections, the WHO has set 2030 as the deadline for ending the threat of hepatitis to public health.

Difficulties in Hepatitis Fighting:-The global battle against hepatitis is hampered by several obstacles. People with hepatitis are frequently socially isolated and discouraged from obtaining testing and treatment due to stigma and discrimination against them. The issue is further compounded by the restricted availability of healthcare services, especially in remote and underprivileged regions. Many nations are also unable to offer full care due to the high expense of vaccines and antiviral drugs.The lack of knowledge and instruction regarding hepatitis is another major obstacle. The disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated in part due to misconceptions regarding the symptoms and pathways of transmission. In addition to strong public health campaigns to inform communities and lessen stigma, medical measures are necessary in the fight against hepatitis.

With the theme "It's Time for Action," World Hepatitis Day 2024 is a potent reminder of the pressing need to confront the global hepatitis epidemic. A multifaceted strategy involving education, immunisation, screening, treatment, and policy support is needed to eradicate hepatitis. We can strive towards a day when hepatitis is no longer a threat to public health and millions of lives are spared from the devastation caused by liver disease by acting decisively today.