Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be chronic or acute. There are five strains of hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) that can cause various health issues, including some that are fatal.
General symptoms of hepatitis include fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, jaundice and dark urine. In some cases, individuals may develop acute liver failure, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.
Hepatitis can be caused by infectious and non-infectious agents and may be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood or blood products, medical procedures that involve contaminated equipment, or sharing needles. Hepatitis A and E are typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly blood. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted from mother to baby at birth, as well as through sexual contact with a person who has the virus.
Timely and affordable testing and treatment can help slow disease progression or prevent death. Currently, vaccines are available for Hepatitis A, B (which also prevents hepatitis D) and E—though the hepatitis E vaccine is not widely accessible.
Most hepatitis A infections are mild, with most people making a full recovery and developing immunity against future infections. However, some cases can lead to severe and life-threatening health complications, including liver failure. Antiviral medications can be used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection. While only a small proportion of individuals with chronic hepatitis B require treatment, these medications can slow the progression of severe outcomes like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Between 15 and 45 per cent of people with hepatitis C will recover fully on their own, but antiviral treatments can cure more than 95 per cent of those with hepatitis C infection, reducing the risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are currently no specific treatments for hepatitis E, although many people recover without intervention.
Globally, millions of people are living with hepatitis, primarily hepatitis B and C, with almost 90 per cent of those affected being unaware of their condition. Across the globe, there are 296 million people with hepatitis B, 1.5 million new infections each year and 820,000 deaths, with the highest rates observed in the Western Pacific and African regions. Roughly 58 million individuals have chronic hepatitis C infection, with 1.5 million new infections occurring annually and 290,000 deaths caused by hepatitis C each year. The highest rates of hepatitis C are found in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Europe.
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the goal of globally eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. The proposed target is to achieve a 90 per cent reduction in new hepatitis cases and a 65 per cent reduction in hepatitis-related deaths, with a particular emphasis on hepatitis B and C. Although vaccines and treatments for certain strains of hepatitis exist, their usage is limited in some countries, and there is room for improvement in uptake rates and healthcare infrastructure. A WHO study revealed that coordinated vaccination, testing, treatment and education campaigns could prevent an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.
Every year on 28 July, World Hepatitis Day is observed to raise awareness about the global burden of viral hepatitis and encourage action to enhance prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The World Hepatitis Alliance aims to amplify the voices of people affected by viral hepatitis, accelerate action, end stigma and discrimination, and shed light on the inequities resulting from the current lack of action toward hepatitis elimination. Its focus is on taking action to achieve the 2030 elimination goals.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in taking action, raising awareness, advocating for change and empowering individuals living with hepatitis.
To advocate for change and combat stigma and discrimination, you can reach out to your local policymakers and urge them to implement measures supporting hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, you can volunteer with organizations engaged in hepatitis elimination efforts.
To get involved, please visit the World Hepatitis Day website at https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/get-involved/.
Edited by Ali Shahrukh Pracha
Image credit: Karolina Kaboompics