Overview:
World Hepatitis Day, celebrated around the world on July 28 annually, can be a condition itself, or it can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer. The day was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blomberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus.
Viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world, but other infections and toxic substances, such as alcohol, some medications, and autoimmune diseases, can be the cause.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness of viral hepatitis.
- Supporting patients with viral hepatitis.
Facts:
- Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and is the only infectious disease in which deaths are increasing.
- There are 5 main viruses of viral hepatitis, referred to as types (A, B, C, D, and E).
- Viral hepatitis A and E usually occur due to eating contaminated food or drinking water.
- Viral hepatitis (B, C, D) usually occurs because of injection contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
- Some types of hepatitis can be prevented by vaccination.
- It is estimated that 354 million people globally are still living with this life-threatening infection, and at least one person dies from viral hepatitis every 30 seconds.
- Viral hepatitis can be prevented and treated, and in the case of hepatitis C, it can be treated.
Official date:
Globally: July 24th, 2024
Locally: Muharram 1st, 1446H