28 July is World Hepatitis Day
Test It. Treat It.
We are at a crucial stage in the global drive to end viral hepatitis by 2030.
We have the tools to achieve this now – there is a cure for hepatitis C and a vaccine and effective treatments for hepatitis B. However, treatment alone is not enough.
Stigma and discrimination continue to be significant barriers to accessing care. To overcome these challenges, we must prioritise peer-led health promotion and community-driven approaches that offer safe, inclusive, and meaningful care.
The theme for 2025 is:
Let’s break it down. Get the facts:
- Globally, a person dies every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness.
- More than 74,000 people in Victoria are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, putting them at increased risk of liver disease and liver cancer.
- Liver cancer is the fastest known increasing cause of cancer death in Australia.
- In Victoria nearly 40% of people with hepatitis C have not received the antiviral curative treatment.
- While it is estimated that 70% of people living with chronic hepatitis B have been diagnosed, less than 30% are receiving care.
- Currently Routine blood tests do NOT screen for the hepatitis virus – patients must request it.
- We need population-wide testing of hepatitis B, so that every Australian knows their hepatitis B status and can get appropriate treatment and care.
Why July 28?
28 July is World Hepatitis Day (WHD) – one of nine urgent International Health days highlighted by the World Health Organization and partners across the globe.
The date of 28 July was chosen for World Hepatitis Day (WHD) in honour of the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, discoverer of the hepatitis B virus and developer of the first hepatitis B vaccine based on research of the Australian antigen.
Help us raise awareness
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok — and help amplify World Hepatitis Day by liking and sharing our posts throughout July!
Keep a look out for our awesome Hep C Rap Video again, along with new content to help raise awareness, spark conversation, and encourage testing and treatment.
Donate now!
Visit our Shout for Good page to make a donation that can help us in the fight to end hepatitis by 2030.
Additional Weblinks
Sources
MacLachlan JH, Romero N, Purcell I, Cowie BC. Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis B National Report 2022. Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia: ASHM; 2024. Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis B :: National Report 2022 (ashm.org.au)
MacLachlan JH, Purcell I, Romero N, Cowie BC. Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis C National Report 2021–2023. Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia: ASHM; 2024. Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis C :: National Report 2021-2023 (ashm.org.au)
