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World Hepatitis Day 2025 highlights awareness, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis. Learn about symptoms, causes, history, and WHO’s theme: ‘Let’s Break It Down.’
World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28. (AI generated image)
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Hepatitis is a medical condition that causes inflammation of the liver. Viral infections, heavy alcohol consumption, particular medications, and autoimmune illnesses are all potential causes of this inflammation. Viral hepatitis, caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, is a major global concern, each with different modes of transmission and potential health impacts. On July 28, World Hepatitis Day is observed to promote awareness about hepatitis and its detrimental effects on health.
This day provides a chance to increase national and international efforts to promote hepatitis prevention, early detection, and effective treatment options.
As we celebrate World Hepatitis Day today, let’s take a look at its theme, history, significance, symptoms and treatment.
World Hepatitis Day 2025 Theme
According to World Health Organization (WHO), the theme for this year has been set as ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down’ that emphasises the importance of reducing barriers to hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment by simplifying services and integrating them into national healthcare systems.
World Hepatitis Day 2025: History and Significance
Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, popularly known as Barry Blumberg, a physician and geneticist, discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and then developed the first vaccine, for which he received the Nobel Prize. His birthday, July 28th, was then announced as World Hepatitis Day to commemorate his accomplishments and contributions.
The day is highly significant as it serves as an opportunity to promote global awareness about viral hepatitis and advocate for better prevention, diagnostic, and treatment options.
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Hepatitis Symptoms
Some of the general symptoms that Hepatitis patients might see are Fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dark urine. In some cases, patients might see mild or no symptoms at all.
However, the virus can cause more severe symptoms in some cases, and can even lead to chronic liver infections, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Hepatitis Treatment
- For Hepatitis A and B patients are advised to take proper vaccination after consulting health experts.
- Good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, can help prevent the spread of certain type of hepatitis.
- To limit the risk of transmission, avoid sharing needles and practise safe sex.
- There are effective drug therapies available to treat chronic hepatitis infections and prevent complications.
As per WHO, around 13 lakh people die each year due to Hepatitis.
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Let’s Break It Down
According to Dr. Swapnil Sharma, Consultant, Liver Transplant and Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, the theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025, “Let’s Break It Down,” is a powerful reminder to dismantle the social, medical, and systemic barriers that still delay access to hepatitis care. Hepatitis remains a global health crisis, claiming over a million lives annually—despite being both preventable and treatable.
Why Hepatitis Still Kills Despite Medical Advancements
Dr. Swapnil Sharma points out that the real challenge goes beyond medicine — it lies in the social landscape.
“Stigma, lack of awareness, delayed screenings, and high treatment costs often cause patients to seek help only after significant liver damage has already occurred,” he explains.
Hepatitis may arise from various causes, such as:
- Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Drug-induced liver injury
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
The Power of Early Detection
Early diagnosis can be life-saving. Dr. Sharma notes that a simple blood test can detect hepatitis B or C even in its silent phase, before symptoms appear.
“We now have the tools to manage and even cure many cases of hepatitis—but we need to reach patients in time,” he emphasizes.
He warns against ignoring elevated liver enzymes during routine health check-ups:
“Deranged liver function tests must be taken seriously and tackled immediately.”
Treatments Exist — But Timing Is Everything
Thanks to modern antiviral therapies and evolving transplant procedures, hepatitis is far more manageable than it once was. However, timing is critical.
“If hepatitis is caught early, treatment is simpler and more effective,” says Dr. Sharma. “In late stages, liver transplant may become the only curative option.”
Breaking Down the Barriers to Care
“Breaking it down,” Dr. Sharma adds, “means more than raising awareness. It requires simplifying the conversation, normalizing screening, and making care accessible.”
He highlights several key steps:
- Use clear, jargon-free language in public education
- Reduce stigma associated with hepatitis
- Make screening part of routine health check-ups
- Improve access to specialist liver care, especially in rural areas
A Call to Action
World Hepatitis Day 2025 reminds us that hepatitis isn’t a moral failing — it’s a treatable medical condition. With early detection, timely treatment, and widespread education, many lives can be saved.
As Dr. Sharma concludes: “Timely identification and treatment not only improve outcomes — they can prevent irreversible liver damage and the need for transplant altogether.”
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te…Read More
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te… Read More
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