LTB 264/24 - World Hepatitis Day 2024 - "It's Time for Action"
No: 264/24
Our Ref: C1/24
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
World Hepatitis Day 2024 – “It’s Time for Action”
World Hepatitis Day and Week takes place each year W/C 28 July, to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to highlight the importance of testing, treatment and vaccination. This year’s theme is, “It’s Time For Action” highlighting the urgent need for swift and decisive measures to tackle hepatitis on a global scale. This call to action is reinforced by the alarming statistic that someone dies from a hepatitis-related illness every 30 seconds.
The WHO and partners mark World Hepatitis Day to increase awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes. This date honours the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, discoverer of the hepatitis B virus.
There are 5 types of hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D and E. All hepatitis viruses can cause acute infection and inflammation of the liver, but infection with hepatitis B, C and D viruses can also result in chronic hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Viral hepatitis B and C are major health challenges and root causes of liver cancer. In the WHO European Region, 15 million people are estimated to live with chronic hepatitis B and 14 million with hepatitis C. Most of these people are unaware of their infection and continue to carry the virus. They are therefore at high risk of developing severe chronic liver disease and can unknowingly transmit the virus to other people.
Every year, more than a million lives are lost to hepatitis.
Through this campaign, efforts to fight viral hepatitis focus on raising awareness of the disease; improving prevention by promoting vaccination, safe sex and safe injection practices; and ensuring equitable access to testing and treatment to all who need it. The earlier people find out whether they are infected, the better the chance of a long and healthy life, and no further onward transmission.
World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, to encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public, and to highlight the need for a greater global response.
Useful Links and further information:
World Hepatitis Alliance: https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/
The Hepatitis Trust: https://www.hepctrust.org.uk/
The British Liver Trust: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/
Hepatitis Trust Helpline:
020 7089 6221 (Mon-Fri 10:30am – 4:30pm)
Attachment:
NHS Hepatitis Fact Sheet with links to further detailed information.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
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