28 July is World Hepatitis Day
July 28 marks World Hepatitis Day — a day to raise awareness about this hidden epidemic that affects millions worldwide. Every day, around 3,500 people die from hepatitis B and C, while approximately 6,000 new infections occur globally. In Ukraine, this challenge is particularly urgent — nearly 5% of the population lives with hepatitis C.
But it is here, within communities, that the most effective solutions are born — innovative programs bringing diagnosis and treatment closer to people, making healthcare accessible and fast. This fight is not just about health; it’s about better quality of life.
28 July is World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO’s Global hepatitis report of 2017.
The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus.
Low coverage of testing and treatment is the most important gap to be addressed in order to achieve the global elimination goals by 2030.