World Hepatitis Day 2018 will be observed on July 28th 2018. This year’s theme is “Test. Treat. Hepatitis”. World hepatitis day is used as a means of raising awareness of this global public health threat. Viral hepatitis can cause inflammation of the liver and chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis can remain asymptomatic for many years. Hepatitis is responsible for a million of deaths worldwide annually. Chronic hepatitis B and C are responsible for 60% of liver cancers. A vaccine is available for hepatitis B and treatment is available for hepatitis B and C.
Why is this important?
- Most people living with Hepatitis do not know that they are infected.
- Early testing for Hepatitis helps to prevent liver disease and cancer.
- Less than 15% of people in Latin American and the Caribbean with Hepatitis have been diagnosed.
- Less than 2% of people in Latin American and the Caribbean with Hepatitis are receiving treatment.
- The disease is preventable through vaccination.
- More than 95% of people with Hepatitis can be cured with treatment.
How is Hepatitis spread?
The Hepatitis virus is spread through bodily fluids of an infected person including blood, semen, sweat, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood, and breast milk.
Risky behaviours include:
- Not getting tested for Hepatitis.
- Mother-to-child transmission from an untreated infected mother.
- Having unprotected sex.
- Sharing used needles for example in tattooing and drug use.
- Heavy alcohol use.
Who Is at risk of contracting Hepatitis?
- Untested mothers giving birth.
- People having unprotected sexual contact with a Hepatitis infected person.
- People getting tattoos using shared or unsterilized needles.
- Healthcare workers.
- Heavy alcohol drinkers.
What should you do?
- Get tested for Hepatitis.
- If you are infected with Hepatitis, get treated.
- Get cured for Hepatitis.
