World Hepatitis Day: Theme, Significance, History, Types of Virus Strains

Hepatitis is a disease of the liver. It causes the liver tissue to inflame. This inflammation can further lead to serious liver problems, including liver cancer. Millions of people all over the world suffer from Hepatitis and most of the time, it goes undetected until it causes irreparable damage to the liver and then it is too late.

Do you know 9 out of 10 people suffering from viral hepatitis don’t know they have the disease. If they don't get treatment at the right time, then it can be dangerous.

On this note, World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year to make people more aware of this disease.

Theme of World Hepatitis Day 2021

World Hepatitis Day 2021 theme is: Hepatitis Can’t Wait.

Last year, the theme was “Hepatitis-free future.” However, it seems that the world is still not free from this serious disease of the liver and there is an urgent need to spread awareness about this disease, early treatment, and prevention measures.

Significance of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day brings an opportunity to spread awareness about the various strains of hepatitis virus and how they are spread, how to contain them, test for hepatitis, and complications that arise when your liver is damaged.

The day also highlights ways on how to keep your liver healthy. Vaccine for Hepatitis B is available. The only thing lacking is awareness among people regarding the seriousness of this disease. 

History of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is observed in remembrance of American geneticist and physician Baruch Samuel Blumberg for his insightful work on Hepatitis B. He was a Nobel Laureate born on July 28, 1925. He detected Hepatitis B virus strain and developed its diagnostic test and, later on, vaccine.

In May 2010, a resolution was passed during the 63^rd World Health Assembly; thereafter, World Hepatitis Day obtained global endorsement.

Also know about 6 superfoods to detox your liver.

Types of hepatitis virus strains

Hepatitis virus features 5 strains: A, B, C, D, and E.

• Hepatitis A and E are chiefly spread through contaminated water and food.

• Hepatitis B chiefly spreads through sexual contact. It can also be transmitted through infected blood transfusion and from the mother to her baby in the womb.

• Hepatitis C chiefly spreads through infected blood transfusion.

• Hepatitis D usually happens to patients who are already suffering from Hepatitis B.

People usually die of Hepatitis B and C. As per an estimate, around 1.3 million lives are lost annually due to this disease. During the Coronavirus pandemic, thousands of people had died due to viral hepatitis almost daily! One of the reasons, as cited by experts, is that the whole focus was on Covid-19 and other diseases were not given much importance.

Also read: https://krishijagran.com/health-lifestyle/these-5-foods-can-help-in-curing-fatty-liver/