World Hepatitis Day
Observed every year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day is dedicated to raise global awareness about hepatitis.
Hepatitis is a group of infectious disease that attacks the liver including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
It also shows how important it is to prevent, take precautions, diagnose, and treat diseases quickly.
Each year, millions of people are impacted by hepatitis, with over 1.3 million losing their lives due to related complications like liver failure, cirrhosis, and cancer.
The day reminds the world that hepatitis is not just a health issue , it’s a global challenge that needs attention, funding, and action.
Themes For World Hepatitis Day
Each year, World Hepatitis Day is observed with a theme. The theme for 2025 is Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down
Past Themes
- 2021: Hepatitis can't wait.
- 2022: Bringing Hepatitis care closer to you
- 2023: Our life, our liver.
- 2024: It's time for action.
- 2025: Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down
These themes serve as a rallying cry to mobilize communities, governments, and organizations to push for testing, treatment, and eradication.
Background
World Hepatitis Day is among the 11 official global health campaigns endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside notable events such as World AIDS Day, World Tuberculosis Day, and World Malaria Day.
The campaign has been marked by powerful awareness events across over 100 countries.
In 2012, it even entered the Guinness World Records when more than 12,000 people from 20 countries mimicked the “Three Wise Monkeys” gesture, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, to symbolize the silence and stigma surrounding hepatitis.
Originally, various countries observed different awareness days, which made unified global action difficult. In 2008, the World Hepatitis Alliance stepped in and declared May 19 as the first global World Hepatitis Day.
But it was in 2010, after a resolution by the World Health Assembly, that July 28 was officially chosen to honor Dr. Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel Laureate for discovering hepatitis B virus. It also happens to be his birthday.
Since then, July 28 has become the focal point for global education and outreach campaigns dedicated to fighting viral hepatitis.
The Significance of World Hepatitis Day
Hepatitis can either show up suddenly (acute) or stick around silently for years (chronic), eventually damaging the liver beyond repair.
Hepatitis B and C are particularly dangerous, often leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.
In some countries, hepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis.
Raising awareness helps improve vaccine coverage, encourage people to get screened, and break the stigma that stops many from seeking help.
It also pushes governments and global organizations to invest in better healthcare access, vaccination drives, and treatment programs.
How to Observe World Hepatitis Day
One of the biggest issues with hepatitis is that many people don’t even know they have it. On July 28, check if local health centers are offering free screenings.
There’s an effective vaccine for hepatitis B, make sure you and your loved ones are protected.
The official color for World Hepatitis Day is green. Rock your green gear to show support and start conversations.
Support nonprofits and health organizations that are working on hepatitis prevention and treatment. Your time or money can help someone get life-saving care.
If you or someone you know is affected by hepatitis, speak up. Ending the stigma starts with open conversations.
To help get the word out, talk to your friends, post on social media, and use hashtags like #WorldHepatitisDay.
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