Today, July 28, is observed as World Hepatitis Day. July 28 is the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925-2011). He first discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967. In 1969, he developed the first vaccine for hepatitis B, which is still being used today. There are five main strains of the virus: A, B, C, D, and E. Combines, hepatitis B and C are the most common that results in 1.1 million deaths and over 3 million new infections per year. 2
World Hepatitis Day initiates opportunities to educate individuals about the different strands of hepatitis, a variety of efforts to combat hepatitis around the world, and actions an individual can take to prevent hepatitis infections.1
World Hepatitis Day helps raise awareness of viral hepatitis or inflammation of the liver that causes hepatocellular cancer and severe liver disease; hepatitis impacts more than 354 million individuals worldwide. While deaths from tuberculosis are declining, deaths from hepatitis are only increasing. 1
With an individual dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness, even in a COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to act on viral hepatitis. This year’s theme is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”. According to the World Health Organization, or WHO, a hepatitis-free future is achievable. WHO and the CDC are asking every country to work together to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public threat by the year 2030. According to WHO, this is extremely achievable, especially since 42% of children across the world has access to the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. 2
WHO and CDC collaborate to help countries experiencing higher rates of infection to control, prevent, and eliminate viral hepatitis. To further eliminate hepatitis infections, WHO and CDC help countries build capacities for treatment, testing, surveillance, care, and assists with the development and implementation of control and elimination programs. 1 Recently, WHO and CDC have helped Tanzania, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan eradicate hepatitis. 2
EMMA International has worked hand-in-hand with several organizations across the life-science industry to help decrease hepatitis. Through this, we have also had the privilege of being a part of a global community of healthcare providers working every day to eradicate hepatitis.
EMMA International is available 24/7 to support your quality and regulatory needs. Contact us at 248-987-4497 or email at info@emmainternational.com today!
1World Hepatitis day 2021. (2021). Who.int. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day/2021
2World Hepatitis Day is July 28th. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/awareness/worldhep day.htm
