World Hepatitis Day: The Silent Killer We Can Conquer

Twenty-eighth July. In the midst of summer, when the world enjoys the sun and rest, comes a day that reminds us that not all threats are visible to the naked eye. World Hepatitis Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a global call to action. It reminds us of a disease that claims more than a million lives each year, but about which we rarely speak out loud. Hepatitis is a silent killer that can live in the body for years without showing itself, destroying the liver until it is too late. But there is good news in this story: we know how to prevent it, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it. Today is the day when we can and should speak openly about it.

Why July 28: The Birthday of the Man Who Discovered Hepatitis B

The date of July 28 was chosen not by chance. On this day in 1925, Baruch Blumberg was born — an American physician and biochemist who in 1976 received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the hepatitis B virus and the development of a test for its detection. His work has saved millions of lives and laid the foundation for the creation of a vaccine that today is one of the main tools in the fight against this disease.

World Hepatitis Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in 100 countries around the world, drawing attention to the problem of viral hepatitis, which remains one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Every year, the WHO chooses a new theme to focus on specific aspects of the fight against the disease: from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and the elimination of stigma.

What is Hepatitis: Five Types, One Threat

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by various factors: viruses, alcohol, drugs, autoimmune processes. But the most dangerous are viral hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each has its own characteristics, but all can lead to serious consequences: cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.

Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated water and food. They are more common in regions with poor sanitation and usually occur in an acute form, but rarely become chronic. Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids: through blood transfusions, the use of non-sterile needles, unprotected sex, from mother to child. These types are the most dangerous because they can become chronic and destroy the liver for years without causing obvious symptoms.

According to WHO, about 354 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or C. Only 10% of them know about their diagnosis. This means that millions of people carry the virus without even knowing it and continue to transmit it to others. Every 30 seconds, someone in the world dies from a hepatitis-related disease. This is more than from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined — at least in some regions.

Symptoms We Don't Notice

One of the main dangers of hepatitis is its stealthiness. Many people with chronic hepatitis feel healthy for years. But when symptoms appear, the disease is often already in the late stage. Early signs include: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the right hypochondrium, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). However, these symptoms may be mild or even absent.

That is why WHO and other organizations urge regular testing for hepatitis, especially if you are in a high-risk group: if you have had blood transfusions, you have had tattoos or piercings in non-sterile conditions, if you use injectable drugs, or if you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners. Testing is simple, quick, and can save lives.

Treatment and Vaccination: The Weapons We Have

Hepatitis is not a death sentence. Today, there are effective treatment methods that allow for the complete cure of hepatitis C and the control of hepatitis B. A vaccine against hepatitis B exists, which is considered one of the most effective in the world. It is included in the immunization schedule of many countries and can protect against infection for life.

However, access to treatment and vaccination remains uneven. In countries with low and middle-income levels, most people do not have the opportunity to undergo testing or receive medication. That is why WHO sets a goal: by 2030, to eliminate hepatitis as a threat to public health. This means reducing new cases by 90% and mortality by 65%. The goal is ambitious, but achievable if we act together.

How the World Celebrates This Day

Every year on July 28, events dedicated to the fight against hepatitis are held around the world. In different countries, they take different forms: free testing, educational campaigns, conferences for doctors, social media actions. In some cities, buildings are illuminated green — the symbol of the fight against hepatitis.

In Russia, lectures and seminars for doctors and patients are held on this day, free examinations in clinics, and information campaigns in the media. Doctors remind: to protect yourself, it is important to know your status and undergo regular checks, especially if you are in a high-risk group.

On the internet, thousands of posts appear with hashtags #WorldHepatitisDay, #HepatitisDay, #ВсемирныйДеньБорьбыСГепатитом. People share stories, information, and support each other. This helps to break down the stigma that still surrounds viral hepatitis.

What We Can Do Today

Each of us can make a contribution to the fight against hepatitis. First, get tested and find out your status. It will take just a few minutes, but it can save a life. Second, get vaccinated against hepatitis B if you have not been vaccinated yet. Third, tell friends and family about the importance of prevention and testing. And finally, do not be afraid to talk openly about hepatitis — to break down myths and stigmas that prevent people from seeking help.

Hepatitis is not a disgrace, it is a disease. And like any disease, it can and should be treated. The sooner we learn about it, the greater the chances of a full recovery. World Hepatitis Day reminds us of this. And each of us can be part of the solution.
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