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Every year on July 28th, the world observes World Hepatitis Day (WHD) with a common goal: to raise awareness about the global impact of viral hepatitis and drive tangible improvements.
This year, the theme is "We're not waiting," emphasizing the urgency to accelerate efforts in eliminating viral hepatitis. The primary focus is on increasing testing and treatment accessibility for those in need.
People and communities worldwide are taking action to bring about positive changes in their lives and their surroundings, and we acknowledge and celebrate their efforts while demanding further action.
Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Hepatitis Day stands as one of only four disease-specific global awareness days.
It fosters collaboration among patient organizations, governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, industry, and the general public, all united to elevate the worldwide attention given to viral hepatitis and work toward its eradication.
World Hepatitis Day - History
Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, also known as Barry Blumberg, was a renowned physician and geneticist who made a groundbreaking discovery in 1967 by identifying the hepatitis B virus.
His remarkable achievement led to the development of the first hepatitis B vaccine, a pioneering accomplishment that earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize. To honor his exceptional contributions and commemorate his birthday, July 28th was designated as World Hepatitis Day.
This annual event holds significant recognition as one of the eight official world health days appointed by the World Health Organization.
Its primary focus is to shed light on the devastating impact of viral hepatitis infections, affecting nearly 330 million people worldwide who suffer from chronic hepatitis B or C.
The origins of hepatitis-related awareness events can be traced back to October 1, 2004, when the first "International Hepatitis C Awareness Day" was observed. Initially organized by various European and Middle Eastern patient groups, the event later saw diverse celebration dates among these groups.
In 2008, in an effort to unite and amplify the impact of this important event, the World Hepatitis Alliance collaborated with different patient groups to declare May 19 as the first global World Hepatitis Day.
Since then, July 28th has continued to serve as a day of remembrance and advocacy to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its global significance.
World Hepatitis Day - Employee wellness programs
With or without your knowledge, diseases like Hepatitis may come to your employees. In these circumstances, it is important to spread awareness of the same in your respective organizations.
Let’s explore some of the best employee wellness programs in the office
1. Hepatitis camps in the office
Adding to the above-mentioned context, conducting Hepatitis camps in the office helps in tracking the employees who may have the disease. This process helps in preventing Hepatitis disease in the future.
2. Informative session
The HR management can conduct an insightful session about Hepatitis in the office. This session will cover all the essentials required to understand Hepatitis disease.
3. Screening and vaccination drives
Providing screening facilities and vaccination drives helps employees in preventing Hepatitis disease. The HR management can book an appointment for all the employees in the nearby hospitals; the employees need to be prepared to undertake these vaccination sessions.
World Hepatitis Day Quotes
1. “Hepatitis doesn’t always present symptoms.” – Karen Gonzales
2. “People are reluctant to give a newborn the hepatitis B vaccine and often delay it.” – Paul A. Offit
3. "There has been a treatment for hepatitis C, but the treatment has not been overwhelmingly effective, number 1. And number 2, it has had considerable toxicity." - Anthony S
World Hepatitis Day Messages
1. Remove your fear of Hepatitis which is a major concern to the universe.
2. Let's safeguard ourselves from Hepatitis diseases on World Hepatitis Day.
3. Get vaccinated on World Hepatitis Day!
4. By staying a little bit cautious, one can easily avoid Hepatitis!
5. World Hepatitis Day is an occasion, that reminds us to stay aware and have practical knowledge about the disease of Hepatitis.
6. Let’s inform people about the consequences and causes of Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day.
7. Let’s raise awareness about the disease of Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day.
8. Every year, many people are infected by Hepatitis, and World Hepatitis Day gives us an opportunity to act on it.
9. Let’s have a keen eye on Hepatitis diseases and understand how to prevent them - World Hepatitis Day.
Conclusion
On World Hepatitis Day, let’s unite as one and safeguard our people from the disease called “Hepatitis”. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to raise awareness about hepatitis
From the collective efforts of policymakers, organizations, and healthcare professionals, the world has made a good contribution to fighting this silent epidemic.
Wishing you a very Happy World Hepatitis Day!
