Introduction:
World Hepatitis Day is celebrated worldwide every year on July 28th; with a view to boosting the national and international efforts to control hepatitis, increasing the public awareness and understanding of the disease and its related complications, in addition to promoting and supporting the disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The date of 28th July was chosen for World Hepatitis Day in honor of the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, the discoverer of the hepatitis B virus and developer of the first hepatitis B vaccine.
Among the most important goals of Saudi Vision 2030 is «Healthy Living», through which the Kingdom seeks to improve the quality of both preventive and therapeutic health services and to control infectious diseases by providing preventive medicine to citizens.
Facts:
- There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
- About 325 million people worldwide are carriers of hepatitis B and C virus infections.
- Viral hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths around the world each year.
- Common symptoms of all types of hepatitis are jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, in addition to nausea and vomiting.
- Almost all patients with viral hepatitis A recover and develop lifelong immunity.
- The risk of hepatitis A and E infection is associated with a lack of safe water, poor sanitation, and hygiene (such as dirty hands).
- Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is associated with suppressed Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication.
- HBV and HDV are transmitted between people through contact with the blood or other body fluids.
- Hepatitis B, C and D viruses are transmitted through contact with the blood by sharing others’ sharp equipment without sterilization, unsafe injection practices, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and transfusion of unsafe blood or its products.
- Hepatitis C virus cannot be transmitted through breast milk, food, water, hugging or kissing, or sharing foods and drinks with an infected person.
- Hepatitis A and B vaccination is recommended for the prevention of viruses C and D.
Official Date:
- Globally: July 28th, 2019.
- Locally: Dhu al-Qi'dah 25th, 1440H.
