World hepatitis day, July 28th

Author: Benigna G. Namara Institutional affiliation: Uganda Public health fellowship program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda *Correspondence: Email: benignamara@uniph.go.ug Tel: +256782882261

Background

International public health days are an opportunity to create awareness and understanding about health issues and mobilize support for action from the local community to the international stage.

Every year, on July 28th, the world comes together to observe World Hepatitis Day. This event serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the global burden of viral hepatitis and raise awareness about its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 325 million people are living with chronic hepatitis infections, leading to around 1.4 million deaths annually. Each year, World Hepatitis Day focuses on a specific theme to highlight a key aspect of the disease and its prevention. The theme for 2023 is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait.” This theme emphasizes the urgency of taking action to eliminate viral hepatitis, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards a hepatitis-free future. It highlights the importance of timely testing, diagnosis, and treatment to prevent the progression of liver disease and its associated consequences