Raising Awareness, Saving Lives: The Urgent Need to Eliminate Hepatitis
World Hepatitis Day, observed every year on July 28, is a global initiative to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and the urgent need for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This day marks the birthday of Nobel Laureate Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed a vaccine for it.
On this occasion, Dr. Piyush Marudwar, a leading hepatologist and public health advocate, urges the community to recognize the growing threat of hepatitis and commit to actions that support early detection, vaccination, and equitable access to care.
Globally, more than 300 million people live with chronic hepatitis infections, and the vast majority are unaware of their status. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, contributing to over 1.3 million deaths annually. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and treatments, millions continue to suffer due to lack of awareness, stigma, and limited access to healthcare services.
This year’s theme, “Hepatitis Can’t Wait,” highlights the urgency of accelerating our response. The consequences of delay—whether in testing, treatment, or vaccination—can be devastating. The post-COVID era has brought renewed challenges, including disrupted healthcare access and reduced attention to routine screenings.
“Hepatitis may be silent, but our response must be loud. Awareness, timely screening, and vaccination are our strongest tools in defeating this global health challenge,” said Dr. Piyush Marudwar.
Dr. Marudwar emphasizes the importance of preventive strategies such as:
· Vaccination against Hepatitis B – safe, effective, and available.
· Safe blood transfusion and injection practices.
· Harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs.
· Routine screening and early diagnosis, especially for high-risk groups.
He also advocates for public education campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with hepatitis, which often prevents individuals from seeking help. According to Dr. Marudwar, “we need to build a health system where testing and treatment for hepatitis are as routine and stigma-free as diabetes or blood pressure checks.”
In India and other low- and middle-income countries, addressing the barriers to diagnosis and care is critical. Many patients are diagnosed late, when liver damage is already severe. Improving access to affordable antiviral treatment and expanding hepatitis screening as part of routine health check-ups can help reduce this gap.
Dr. Marudwar calls on healthcare workers, community leaders, and policymakers to support the WHO’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This includes increasing awareness, investing in infrastructure, training healthcare providers, and ensuring vaccines and medicines reach even the most remote populations.
As World Hepatitis Day approaches, let us use this moment to educate ourselves and others. A simple blood test can save lives, and a timely vaccine can prevent lifelong illness. Hepatitis elimination is not only possible—it is within reach if we act collectively and with urgency.
Let us not wait. Hepatitis can’t.
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