World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year to create awareness about Hepatitis. World Hepatitis Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is “Prevent hepatitis. Act now”.
In 2015, the WHO is focusing mainly on hepatitis B and C, which together causes approximately 80% of all liver cancer deaths and kills close to 1.4 million people every year. In India, it is estimated that prevalence of hepatitis C infection is more than 6 times the prevalence of HIV infection.
- Hepatitis is the inflammation caused in liver and characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ.
- Viral hepatitis is the most common cause of liver inflammation.
- Hepatitis B is the most common viral hepatitis worldwide, affecting as much as 10% of the adult population in endemic areas and causing approximately 780,000 deaths per year worldwide.
- The infection with Hepatitis B Virus can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Test Your Knowledge
Who Discovered Hepatitis B Virus?
What is the first commercial hepatitis B virus vaccine?
Heptavax manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals. The use of this vaccine was discontinued in 1990.
