World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is celebrated on the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg every year on July 28. Dr. Blumberg was responsible for both the discovery of the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and the development the first hepatitis B vaccine in 1969. Because of these outstanding achievements, Dr. Blumberg won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976. This day is observed annually by many organizations world-wide including the World Health Organization (@WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (@CDCgov.) World Hepatitis Day’s main goals are to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, to create opportunities to educate people about these infections, to combat viral hepatitis around the world, and to publicize actions that people can take to prevent these infections. The 2021 theme for WHD is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”, which encompasses the top priority of the need to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
What is hepatitis? Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E. Hepatitis can cause acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease. Viral hepatitis impacts more than 354 million people worldwide and results in more than one million deaths every year.
What can you do today for World Hepatitis Day (WHD)? Sponsored by the World Hepatitis Alliance (@Hep_Alliance) today will consist of many events with opportunities to get involved and spread the word. To get involved check out the World Hepatitis Alliance, and World Hepatitis Day websites including customizable campaign resources for ideas, activities and events. Resources come in a variety of languages. Check out these actions that will take a little amount of time but create a big impact: One-Minute Actions, Ten Minute Actions, and Longer Actions
We are proud to launch the #WorldHepatitisDay campaign Hepatitis Can’t Wait during #WHA74. Viral hepatiitis is one of the most neglected health issues of our time. On July 28 join us to tell the world that Hepatitis Can’t Wait.
Join the campaign at https://t.co/371bbH8mcs pic.twitter.com/qVfUQh6B4s
— World Hepatitis Alliance (@Hep_Alliance) May 24, 2021
Multimedia from WHO
The World Health Organization has curated a range on multimedia to spread awareness about hepatitis. Check out these GIFs and infographics as well as viewing this World Hepatitis Day video.
This is Nurse Lauren, contributor of NursesNOW, signing off with your Wellness Wednesday information on World Hepatitis Day. Remember to get involved and spread awareness today!
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