Every 28th of July, World Hepatitis Day unifies the globe under a single theme to increase awareness about the strain of viral hepatitis on a global scale, with the intention of instigating true change. The theme for the year 2023 is “One life, one liver.”
This day provides an opportunity for communities, individuals, and politicians to learn about the various forms of hepatitis, along with crucial preventive strategies, testing methods, and treatment options. Moreover, it fosters global backing and collaboration in combating the growing number of hepatitis-related diseases and deaths.
What is Hepatitis?
The term ‘hepatitis’ refers to any inflammation of the liver – sparking irritation or swelling of the liver cells due to various causes. It can either be acute, triggering sickness symptoms like jaundice, fever, vomiting; or chronic, persisting over six months with little to no symptoms.
Most commonly, hepatitis is caused by a group of viruses known as “hepatotropic” (liver targeted) viruses, including types A, B, C, D, and E. Other viruses like the varicella virus causing chicken pox, and SARS-CoV-2, the cause of Covid-19, can also injure the liver. Additional causes include drug and alcohol abuse, the buildup of fat in the liver (fatty liver hepatitis), and an autoimmune process resulting in the body creating antibodies that attack the liver (autoimmune hepatitis).
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis can be classified into multiple types based on the inducing virus:
1. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) typically causes mild to severe liver inflammation and is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, or physical contact with an infected person. Vaccines are available for prevention, with full recovery and lifelong immunity in most cases.
2. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes both acute and chronic viral infections that attack the liver. It is commonly contracted from mother to child during childbirth, unsafe injections, or sex with an infected partner. Vaccines for prevention are available.
3. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can result in both acute and chronic hepatitis, with symptoms ranging from a mild illness to severe lifelong diseases. It’s a bloodborne virus, commonly transmitted through exposure to unsafe healthcare practices, blood transfusions, injection drug use, and sexual conduct. Direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure over 95% of person with hepatitis C, yet access to diagnosis and treatment remains limited. No effective vaccine against hepatitis C is currently available.
4. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires HBV for replication. It’s more common in native people, dialysis patients, and drug abusers, and can spark severe liver damage, leading to cancer or death. Immunization against Hepatitis B can prevent HDV; nevertheless, treatment success rates are minimal.
5. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) leads to liver inflammation caused by HEV infection. Transmitted mainly via fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water, it’s prevalent worldwide, especially in East and South Asia. A vaccine has been developed and licensed in China but isn’t available elsewhere.
Government Initiatives to Combat Hepatitis
Several initiatives have been launched by governments worldwide to tackle hepatitis. In India, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was established to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health concern by 2030. Furthermore, under India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), free vaccination is provided against eleven vaccine-preventable diseases, including Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Pneumonia, Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and Rotavirus diarrhoea.
