World Hepatitis Day 2025: Date, theme, history, significance — all you need to know
Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, also known as Barry Blumberg, a physician and geneticist, discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and subsequently produced the first vaccine, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
Consequently, his birth date of 28 July was designated as World Hepatitis Day in recognition of his achievements and contributions.
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
This day is observed to promote global awareness of national and international efforts about hepatitis prevention, early detection, and effective treatment options.
The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025 is Let's Break It Down, which encourages immediate action to eliminate financial, social, and systemic barriers—including stigma—to hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.
The theme signifies simplifying, expanding, and integrating hepatitis services—vaccination, safe injection practices, harm reduction, and, most importantly, testing and treatment—into national health systems.
It serves as a reminder that we must act now to improve access, integrate care, and eliminate hepatitis as a public health issue by 2030.
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