&w=3840&q=100)
World Hepatitis Day 2025: History, theme, measures, messages, quotes & more
To raise awareness of hepatitis and its harmful health impacts, 28 July is designated as ' World Hepatitis Day '. This day offers an opportunity to step up national and worldwide initiatives to support early identification, prevention, and efficient treatment choices for hepatitis.
What is the theme of the World Hepatitis Day 2025?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that this year's theme is "Hepatitis: Let us Break It Down," which highlights the significance of lowering obstacles to hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through service simplification and integration into national healthcare systems.
Today is World #Hepatitis Day. Did you know❓ Hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with hepatitis B and C claiming 3 500 lives every day. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones ???? https://t.co/7MPVpRtY4Q pic.twitter.com/eaUWae2bfu
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 27, 2025
What is the history and significance of World Hepatitis Day?
Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, also known as Barry Blumberg, a physician and geneticist, identified the Hepatitis B virus in 1967 and then created the first vaccine, for which he got the Nobel Prize. After that, July 28th, his birthday, was announced 'World Hepatitis Day' to honor his achievements and contributions.
The day is extremely important because it provides a chance to raise awareness of viral hepatitis worldwide and to push for improved choices for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In order to enhance access, integrate care, and eradicate hepatitis as a public health concern by 2030, it is important that we take immediate action.
Causes of Hepatitis?
• Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Treatment of Hepatitis?
World Hepatitis Day 2025 serves as a reminder that hepatitis is a medical ailment that can be treated and is not a moral fault. Numerous lives can be saved with early discovery, prompt treatment, and extensive education.
Hepatitis is much easier to treat now than it was in the past because of advancements in transplant techniques and contemporary antiviral medications. But timing is everything. A few crucial actions to conduct are also listed below:
• In public education, use jargon-free language.
• Lessen the stigma attached to hepatitis
• Include screening in your regular physical examinations.
• Make specialized liver care more accessible, particularly in rural areas.
Inspiring Messages For World Hepatitis Day 2025
Let's raise our voices, not just awareness—hepatitis is preventable and curable.
One test can save a life. Get screened. Stay protected.
Don't wait for symptoms. Know your status and take control.
Empower communities with knowledge, and we can end the silent killer.
Vaccinate, educate, eliminate—three steps to a hepatitis-free world.
Together, we can eliminate hepatitis. It starts with awareness.
Early detection leads to full protection—screen for hepatitis today.
Hepatitis doesn't discriminate, and neither should healthcare.
A healthier future is possible—join the fight against hepatitis.
Every life matters. Every action counts. End hepatitis now.
Quotes For World Hepatitis Day 2025
'Awareness is the first step toward prevention.' – Anonymous
'Hepatitis may be silent, but our action should be loud.' – Unknown
'Saving lives starts with sharing knowledge.' – Dr. Margaret Chan
'It takes a village to raise awareness and a world to eliminate hepatitis.' – Public Health Advocate
'Ignorance fuels infection. Education ends epidemics.' – Global Health Leader
'Testing is not a shame. Silence is.' – Patient Advocate
'Prevention is better than cure, and awareness is better than fear.' – Unknown
'A simple test today can mean a longer tomorrow.' – Anonymous
'Let's make hepatitis history, not headlines.' – WHO Campaign
'The virus is strong, but we are stronger together.' – Unknown.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hans India
19 minutes ago
- Hans India
Monsoons driving preventable Hepatitis A and E cases in Delhi: Experts
New Delhi: With the monsoon in full swing, the Delhi-NCR region is witnessing a worrying rise in the number of preventable Hepatitis A and E cases, said experts on Monday, stressing the need for more awareness on vaccinations. Both Hepatitis A and E viruses, which are transmitted through contaminated food and water, tend to see seasonal spikes during the monsoon due to poor sanitation, waterlogging, and compromised hygiene standards. Children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing liver conditions are the most vulnerable to the infections. 'Some city hospitals are seeing up to a 40 per cent increase in acute hepatitis cases, while others reported a sharp rise in OPD consultations for jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting -- classic symptoms of Hepatitis A and E,' said Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President-Elect of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI). Chaudhary noted that many patients are unaware of the need for hepatitis vaccination. 'Hepatitis A and E are largely preventable diseases, yet we see a surge every monsoon due to poor awareness and unsafe water consumption. Hepatitis E can be fatal in pregnant women and can lead to acute liver failure in those with underlying liver disease. In some cases, acute Hepatitis A can lead to severe liver failure requiring a liver transplant," he added. According to estimates from the LTSI, more than 70 per cent of waterborne hepatitis cases in India during the monsoon are attributable to Hepatitis E, while Hepatitis A remains highly prevalent among children under 15. 'Cases of hepatitis A and E have gone up 30-40 per cent as compared to last month. We are witnessing a seasonal epidemic that repeats every year, and yet we are caught off guard every time. These infections are entirely preventable with clean drinking water, proper food handling, and vaccination in high-risk groups,' said Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, President, LTSI. Health experts emphasised that while Hepatitis B and C get more attention due to their chronic and long-term liver damage, Hepatitis A and E pose an equally serious threat in the short term, especially during monsoons. The symptoms -- ranging from fatigue and nausea to jaundice and dark urine -- are often ignored until the infection has progressed significantly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Hepatitis E causes up to 20 million infections globally every year, with India contributing a significant proportion due to seasonal outbreaks. In urban settings like Delhi, the mix of rapid urbanisation, aging water infrastructure, and irregular monitoring of food vendors creates a breeding ground for viral outbreaks.


Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Vaccines, tattoos and medical negligence: What's fueling new Hepatitis infections in 2025
It might surprise you to learn that even in 2025, hepatitis, a disease many associate with the past, continues to be a significant threat. While most young professionals are busy chasing careers, building social lives, and juggling responsibilities, hepatitis is quietly infecting millions across the world. Unfortunately, some of the very things of the 'new world' that symbolize freedom, adulthood, and modern healthcare, like tattoos, vaccinations, and medical treatments, may be fueling new infections. Let's unpack the real drivers and what we should be watching out for: The Vaccine Illusion: The hepatitis B vaccine has been around for decades and is incredibly effective. In fact, most of us assume we're protected. But are we? In India, for example, universal hepatitis B vaccination only became standard for newborns in 2007. If you were born before then, there's a good chance you never received the full vaccine series. Or any dose at all. Even among those vaccinated, incomplete records, missed boosters, and lack of adult catch-up programs have created gaps in immunity. Can this get any worse? Yes. Many hospitals and clinics do not have a protocol in place to routinely check hepatitis B immunity before administering injections or performing minor surgeries. A classic case of assumption trumping due diligence. You MUST ask your doctor for an anti-HBs antibody test to check if you're actually immune, and get vaccinated if you're not. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Body Inking: 'Hello Art. Meet Hazard.' Getting inked is a growing rite of passage for young adults. But beneath the buzz of the tattoo machine is a risk that's oftenoverlooked - bloodborne viruses like hepatitis B and C. While many tattoo studios follow strict hygiene protocols, there are many unregulated or informal parlors, offering cheap, quick services that do cut corners. Needles get reused between clients, equipment is improperly sterilized, and contamination of ink, together create perfect conditions for hepatitis transmission. A word of caution - piercings, another growing form of self-expression, poses similar risks. How many of us have actually ask a tattoo artist about autoclave cycles or single-use ink caps? Do we even know what these are and how important this information is? If you must get a tattoo or a piercing, stick to licensed studios that follow universal precautions. Ask about sterilization, single-use equipment, and don't hesitate - it's your blood that's at risk! Unsafe Medical Practices : One would think that in 2025, unsafe medical injections would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that's not true. In clinics, wellness centers, and even spas offering IV drips, B12 shots, or glutathione therapy, the reuse of needles and poor hygiene are still common, especially where these places are minimally regulated. Rural and semi-urban areas are worse, with 'quacks' still using glass syringes and administering injections for everything from fever to back pain. It is wise to choose and use reputed medical centers. If you really need to get IV therapy or shots, ensure syringes are unwrapped in front of you and never hesitate to speak up. Blood is not always visible. Microscopic amounts can linger on poorly sterilized instruments—like the ones used in salons for manicures, pedicures, or shaving. The same goes for dental clinics, especially those that skip autoclaving due to time or cost constraints. In hepatitis B and C, even a tiny amount of infected blood is enough to transmit the virus. Best to avoid salons that don't sterilize metal tools or reuse razors. Choosing dental clinics that advertise infection control policies is a wise move. Hepatitis doesn't always announce itself with symptoms. It can sit silently in your body for years, slowly damaging your liver. In 2025, it's not just unsafe blood transfusions or drug use that are to blame. It's routine, everyday things like vaccines without immunity checks, stylish tattoos done carelessly, or injections in sketchy clinics that are also responsible. What can you do? ▪ Ask your doctor for hepatitis B and C screening. It's a simple blood test. ▪ Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable—don't wait. Get vaccinated. ▪ Whether it's a tattoo studio, clinic, or salon, your health is your responsibility. Ask questions. Demand answers. ▪ Speak up among your peers, friends and in the community to raise awareness. Prevention can be as simple as staying informed and making smart choices. After all, health is the only one investment that gives guaranteed lifelong returns! (By Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director (Indian Subcontinent) at International SOS)


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Why cancer care needs to include oral health
Once viewed as peripheral to broader medical concerns, oral health is now being recognised as a critical determinant in systemic diseases including cancer. A growing body of research from India and globally highlights how chronic periodontal conditions, oral pathogens and poor access to dental care significantly influence the risk, progression and outcomes of cancers, particularly in the oral cavity, digestive tract and pancreas. Persistent burden and patchy surveillance Globally, an estimated 3.5 billion people are affected by oral diseases. While many countries have seen improved oral health indicators in recent decades, India has not kept pace. Oral disorders remain one of the leading causes of disability in the country, affecting individuals across age groups and socioeconomic strata. India's last national oral health survey was conducted in 2007–08. Since then, there has been no updated, nationwide data, leading to significant blind spots in planning and policy. The Draft National Oral Health Policy (2021) outlines the need for baseline data by 2025 and proposes a 15% reduction in mortality and morbidity due to orofacial diseases by 2030. However, without reliable surveillance systems or integration with broader public health efforts, these goals remain aspirational. Also, the World Health Organization has recognised oral health as a vital component of non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, calling for stronger integration between dental and general medical care. Cancer risk and the oral cavity A recent study titled 'Oral Health and its Expanding Role in Systemic Disease, Cancer Outcomes, and Public Health', published in The Lancet, by Abhishek Shankar, assistant professor and Vaibhav Saini, scientist from the Department of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS, Delhi, underlines how oral hygiene may serve as a modifiable risk factor in cancer. Drawing on data from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, the authors report that good oral hygiene is associated with a modest reduction in head and neck cancer risk. Observational data further suggest a possible association between periodontal disease, root canal infections, and increased risk of pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal cancers. 'The evidence certainly points towards considering oral health as an integral part of cancer care,' the study investigators note, emphasising the need to embed dental care within oncology pathways. Oral pathogens are also implicated in cancer biology. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, commonly found in chronic gum disease, are increasingly understood to influence tumour development. 'P. gingivalis evades immune surveillance, invades host tissues, and promotes cancer proliferation,' write Dr. Shankar and Dr. Saini. 'P. intermedia, on the other hand, alters the tumour microenvironment and down regulates tumour suppressors.' Syed Ismail Nawab John, clinical lead at MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, adds that bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum have been linked with colorectal cancer by altering local immune responses. 'Bacterial byproducts such as butyrate can damage DNA and disrupt cellular repair. In a large cohort study published in Gut in 2018, individuals with severe periodontal disease had a 20–50% higher risk of developing pancreatic and colorectal cancers.' Vijay Pillai, senior consultant and chief of head and neck surgical oncology at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, notes that oral dysbiosis -- an imbalance or disruption in the community of microorganisms (microbiome) that naturally inhabit the oral cavity, especially involving Fusobacterium and Bacteroides may contribute to a pro-inflammatory state that favours tumour progression. 'Early detection of potentially malignant lesions can significantly downstage disease and improve outcomes,' he says. Impact on cancer treatment Oral health also has implications for cancer therapy. Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers disrupts the oral microbiome, often suppressing protective bacteria and allowing harmful strains to thrive. 'Patients with periodontal disease who undergo radiotherapy are particularly susceptible to complications such as impaired bone healing,' say the AIIMS researchers. Retention of natural teeth and frequent dental consultations are linked to better survival in head and neck cancer patients. In contrast to Western countries, where oral health data are routinely collected through registries, India and much of Southeast Asia lack comprehensive oral health surveillance. 'Region-specific data is essential for relevant decision-making,' stress Dr. Shankar and Dr. Saini. 'Existing registries and collaborations are underutilised unless integrated into national cancer care frameworks.' Dr. John concurs, calling the absence of surveillance a major public health downside. 'Integrating dental metrics into cancer registries would be a strategic step forward.' Towards integrated prevention Evidence suggests that community-level interventions such as school toothbrushing programmes, fluoride education and low-cost point-of-care diagnostics like aMMP-8 testing can reduce systemic inflammation and potentially lower cancer risk. A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology showed that professional periodontal treatment led to decreased levels of CRP and IL-6, both biomarkers associated with cancer progression. 'Oral health should no longer be siloed,' says Dr. John. Experts are urging the inclusion of oral health in national cancer control plans, school health programmes, and tobacco cessation curricula. Policy changes such as mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labels and bans on cartoon characters in junk food advertising are also being advocated to reduce early-life exposure to oral and systemic health risks. Community-based dental interventions, particularly for low-income communities, may help reduce the prevalence of periodontal disease and the systemic burden of oral pathogens. By reducing inflammatory markers and enhancing early detection, these efforts could play a role not only in improving oral hygiene but in reducing the broader burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.