1. Home
  2. Current Affairs
  3. News Crux
  4. World Hepatitis Day 2023

World Hepatitis Day 2023

  • 29 Jul 2023

World Hepatitis Day, celebrated on July 28, 2023, aims to raise awareness about the silent killer, viral hepatitis, which causes numerous deaths each year.

Key Points:

  • Addressing the Challenge: Currently, about 100,000 hepatitis-related deaths occur each year due to the lack of early detection and intervention.
  • Prevention and Treatment: Effective vaccines and treatments exist to combat hepatitis and prevent its spread. Scaling up access to testing and treatment is essential in the fight against this deadly disease.
  • Theme of World Hepatitis Day 2023: The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2023 is "We're not waiting," emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate elimination efforts of viral hepatitis and ensure prompt testing and treatment for those in need.
  • Honoring Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg: World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 in honor of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and developed the first vaccine for hepatitis B. His pioneering work has made a significant impact on hepatitis prevention.

Objectives of World Hepatitis Day

  • Promotion of vaccination against hepatitis B
  • Raising awareness among pregnant women for testing and treatment of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis
  • Ensuring access to hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment services for all
  • Providing hepatitis prevention and care services, including infant immunization and treatment for chronic hepatitis B.