World Hepatitis Day 2025: Addressing Hepatitis B Awareness and Impact

World Hepatitis Day, commemorated annually on July 28, seeks to raise awareness regarding viral hepatitis, a significant global health issue that leads to severe liver disease and cancer. This year's theme, "Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down," emphasizes the urgent need to dismantle the financial and social stigma surrounding this condition, in a bid to eliminate hepatitis B and C infections worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 304 million individuals were living with chronic hepatitis B and C globally as of 2022, leading to over 1.3 million deaths that year alone. Dr. Catharia Beohme, officer-in-charge of the WHO South-East Asia region, stated, "Viral hepatitis continues to be a needless suffering among thousands of innocent people, silently attacking our liver, spreading cancer, and causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year" (Beohme, 2025, WHO).

The WHO's report highlights that within this region, an estimated 61 million people live with hepatitis B, while 9 million suffer from hepatitis C. Alarmingly, most individuals with the disease remain undiagnosed and untreated, underscoring a pressing need for improved awareness and screening initiatives.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver caused by various infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, leading to severe health issues, including liver damage and cancer. The five major strains of the virus are A, B, C, D, and E. Notably, hepatitis B and C are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and viral hepatitis-related deaths, according to the World Hepatitis Alliance (2025).

Symptoms of hepatitis can vary widely, with some individuals exhibiting none at all. Common symptoms include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, and dark-colored urine. Chronic infections, particularly with hepatitis B, C, and D, can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

Preventive measures against hepatitis B are crucial. The infection can be acute or chronic, but vaccination provides nearly 100% protection. The vaccine is typically administered shortly after birth, alongside booster doses. Hepatitis B spreads through various means, including maternal transmission at birth, contact with infected blood, and through sexual activity among unvaccinated individuals with multiple partners.

Diagnosis of hepatitis B requires laboratory testing, as symptoms may resemble those of other forms of hepatitis. The WHO advises screening in high-prevalence areas, among pregnant women, blood donors, and high-risk groups. Shockingly, only 13% of those infected were aware of their status in 2022, and a mere 3% were receiving treatment (WHO, 2022).

Furthermore, co-infection with HIV occurs in about 1% of hepatitis B cases, and treatments for HIV can often manage hepatitis B as well. The ongoing challenge of hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B, necessitates global coordination and action to raise awareness and reduce the disease burden.

In conclusion, as World Hepatitis Day is observed, the call to action is clear: enhanced public awareness, better screening, and vaccination campaigns are essential to combat the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis. The fight against hepatitis B and C is not merely a health issue but a societal challenge that requires collective action and commitment from all sectors to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes for millions worldwide.