What is the theme of the 2019 World Hepatitis Day?

World hepatitis is global health program organized by the world health organization (WHO) to raise the global awareness of hepatitis. It is observed on 28 July every year and the main aim of this day is to encourage prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis. There are 5 types of hepatitis namely A, B, C, D, & E and among the 5, hepatitis B & C are very dangerous affecting millions of human beings. As per the estimate of WHO, more than 1.5 million deaths occur in a year due to hepatitis only. It is the 2nd most dangerous infectious diseases after tuberculosis.  Hepatitis is preventable, treatable and it is also curable in case of Hepatitis C but millions of cases occur worldwide due to lack of knowledge & information. 

During the campaign of 2019 world hepatitis day, WHO is requesting all countries and members to promote the theme of world hepatitis day 2019 and this year theme is “find the missing millions”.  Pakistan is going to host the event of 2019 world hepatitis day and global events will be held on 27 & 28 July 2019 in Islamabad.

In this post, we are going to discuss below-listed sub-topics:

1. What is Hepatitis & its types? 

2. What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

3. How it spread from one individual to other

4. Whatis the theme of the 2019 world hepatitis day?

5. Various Facts related to Hepatitis

If you are looking at the details of above-mentioned points, continue with the post rest you may skip and enjoy your life.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

What are the different types of Hepatitis?

There are 5 main types of hepatitis virus namely as A, B, C, D & E. All these types of Hepatitis are very dangerous causing millions of deaths every year. Among all the types, type B & C are a very common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

The main reasons behind the occurrence of all types of hepatitis are as follows:

1. The main reason for type A & E is the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

2. The hepatitis B, C & D occur mainly as a result of parental contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission of these viruses are:

a. Receiving contaminated blood or blood products.

b. Medical treatment using contaminated equipment’s.

c.  Sexual Contact.

d.  Inject infected syringes.

What are the common symptoms of Hepatitis?

Most of the times, it is very difficult to recognize a person infected from Hepatitis after just watching through the common symptoms are jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

What is the theme of the 2019 World Hepatitis Day?

As mentioned above, the theme of the 2019 world hepatitis day is to find the missing millions and It is three-year global awareness-raising and advocacy campaign aimed at tackling the main barriers to diagnosis by putting civil society organizations and the affected community at the heart of the solution. The global events for the year 2019 are going to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 28 & 29 July.  The main purpose behind this theme is to identify those persons who are unaware of the fact that they are infected among any one type of hepatitis.

The major facts related to world hepatitis day are as follows:

1. In the world, more than 325 million individuals are infected from Hepatitis. These 325 million individuals are infected either from virus B or virus C causing deaths of 1.4 million in a year.

2. Among the 325 million, more than 28 lakhs became infected in the year 2017 only.

3. 80% of persons living with hepatitis lack prevention, testing & treatment.

4. Approximately 6 billion dollars required annually to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.

What are the objectives of WHO on world hepatitis Day 2019 theme?

World Health Organization (WHO) has made several objectives and he made objectives for the policymaker & for the public. Here the list of objectives shared by WHO.

For the Policymakers

a. The WHO has requested national & regional policymaker to enhance the political & financial commitments for the response of hepatitis.

b. To motivate & encourage all to come forward to access prevention, testing & treatment services of hepatitis.

c. To highlight WHO’s new cost estimates for hepatitis elimination within the context of health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UHC by 2030.

For the Public

World health organization has shared 5 terminologies for public i.e. “Know. Prevent. Test. Treat. Eliminate Hepatitis”. Get the knowledge form the various resources, prevent it from the spreading, test yourself to know whether you are infected or not, if yes, go with the proper treatment and then eliminate hepatitis.

As per WHO, get the answer of below-mentioned questions:

Are you at risk? 

Take the test and ensure whether you are infected or not. Early testing means the early detection and that will help you for early treatment. It will prevent illness and save your life.

Are you protected?  

Hepatitis B & C are preventable and more importantly, hepatitis C can be cured as well. Every ejection should be safe and hepatitis B vaccine provides you lifelong protection. These two types of hepatitis can be transmitted by sex so use the precaution to avoid transmission.

Be strong: 

Get treated or cured of hepatitis. If your test results are positive, take advice from the doctor and start treatment.

Living with hepatitis B? 

Some people will need treatment and can stay healthy with life-long therapy.

Living with hepatitis C? 

If yes, then the treatment of 3 months can cure the infection.

I hope, you have been now aware of Hepatitis and various important points related to this disease. In the coming, we will come with a detailed post of types of hepatitis, symptoms of hepatitis & treatment of hepatitis. So, connect with us & follow us on Facebook to get the notification of new posts.

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