28 July is World Hepatitis Day. Viral hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people worldwide causing 1.4 million deaths a year. The Western Pacific Region is home to 130 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and C, that is, 40% of the world’s burden of viral hepatitis. More than 1 200 deaths due to viral hepatitis occurs everyday in the Region, which are mostly due to advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. However, over 80% of people living with hepatitis are lacking prevention, testing and treatment services. The World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to step up action of individuals, communities, governments and partners to get to elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
Know. Prevent. Test. Treat. Eliminate Hepatitis.
Are you at risk? Get tested! Early testing means early treatment to prevent illness and to save your life.
Are you protected? Hepatitis B and C are preventable. Every injection should be safe. Hepatitis B vaccine provides lifelong protection. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by sex, therefore protect yourself by using condoms.
Be strong: get treated or cured from hepatitis. If you tested positive, ask whether you need treatment - do not delay.
Living with hepatitis B? Some people will need treatment and can stay healthy with life-long therapy.
Living with hepatitis C? 3-month treatment can cure the infection.