Every year on 28 July, the world comes together to mark World Hepatitis Day, a critical observance aimed at raising awareness about viral hepatitis—an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and liver cancer.
In 2025, the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down” calls for urgent action to dismantle barriers that hinder progress in fighting hepatitis and preventing liver cancer. These barriers include financial constraints, social stigma, and systemic gaps in healthcare delivery.
A Silent but Deadly Disease
Viral hepatitis especially Hepatitis B and C is often referred to as a silent killer. Millions live with the disease without knowing, as symptoms may not appear until liver damage is advanced.
- Chronic Hepatitis B and C are leading causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Both diseases are preventable and treatable.
- Hepatitis C is even curable with modern therapies.
Yet, despite these advances, many people remain undiagnosed or unable to access treatment.
Theme 2025: “Let’s Break It Down”
The 2025 theme emphasizes the urgent need to simplify, scale up, and integrate hepatitis services into health systems globally. Key priorities include:
- Expanding vaccination for Hepatitis B, especially the birth dose for newborns.
- Promoting safe injection practices and harm reduction programs.
- Scaling up testing and treatment services to reach millions still left behind.
- Tackling stigma and discrimination, which prevent people from seeking care.
By breaking down these barriers, countries can accelerate progress toward the global goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
Call to Action
World Hepatitis Day 2025 serves as a reminder that the tools to end hepatitis already exist—but what is needed now is political will, funding, and community action. Governments, health systems, and civil society must work together to integrate hepatitis care, expand access to life-saving vaccines and treatments, and protect future generations from liver disease.
Source : WHO
