28/07/2026
Hepatitis: It's Time To Break It Down
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that damages its ability to function properly, as too many people still lack the information they need to protect themselves, too many remain untested, undiagnosed or untreated still; while stigma and misconceptions continue to stand between people and the care that could save their lives.
Viral Hepatitis: Caused by five main strains are: types A, B, C, D, and E. Types A and E usually spread through contaminated food or water, while types B, C, and D typically spread through contact with infected body fluids or blood. Other triggers like heavy alcohol use, toxic chemicals, and autoimmune reactions can also inflame the liver.
In 2024, 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C globally. Sadly, effective vaccines, testing, and treatments already exist, yet about 1.3 million people died from these diseases.
On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, we must break it down:
•• Break down misinformation with facts.
•• Break down stigma with understanding.
•• Break down barriers to testing and treatment.
•• Break down inequalities that keep lifesaving services out of reach.
•• Break down silence by starting conversations.
Eliminating hepatitis is not only about having the right tools, it is about ensuring that people and communities can access them.
Its time to learn. Time to get tested. Time to get vaccinated. And time to advocate for accessible care.
Together, we can break down the barriers and build a future where no longer takes lives.
