World Hepatitis Day 2022
27 July 2022
On the 28th July each year WA Health recognise World Hepatitis Day, one of only nine official global public health days as mandated by World Health Organization member states.
'Hepatitis Can’t Wait' is the theme for World Hepatitis Day 2022
This year World Hepatitis Day (external site) aims to encourage people to get tested, treated and influence positive change to end stigma and discrimination.
What is viral hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are blood-borne viruses, meaning that they can be transmitted when blood containing the virus enters the blood stream of another individual. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted via semen and vaginal fluid during sex and from mother to child during childbirth, although this is less common in Australia, with hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin administration available after birth.
Hepatitis can’t wait!
'Hepatitis Can’t Wait' is the theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day reinforcing that:
- people that are unaware of their viral hepatitis status can’t wait for testing
- people living with viral hepatitis can’t wait for treatment and care
- newborn babies can’t wait for birth dose hepatitis B vaccination
- we all can’t wait to end stigma and discrimination
- community organisations and decision makers can’t wait to work together to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
The goal
In 2016 the World Health Organization initiated the roadmap for the elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C as public health threats by the year 2030. While Australia is poised to achieve many of the targets set by 2030, there is much work that still needs to be done to ensure we achieve virtual elimination.
What is being done?
WA Health supports the prevention, clinical work, community education and workforce development initiatives as well as research and evaluation projects across the state, targeting the elimination of viral hepatitis. A strong partnership approach is undertaken with community service organisations to work towards this common goal.
2022 marks 30 years of service by HepatitisWA to the community. From humble beginnings as a support network for people living with hepatitis C, HepatitisWA has developed into the leading community viral hepatitis agency in WA, working to support for people living with viral hepatitis and the wider community.
HepatitisWA (external site) will be lighting up the state as WA Glows Green (external site) in honour and acknowledgment of those affected by viral hepatitis, and also to raise awareness and demand prioritisation of the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. The organisation will also be facilitating many other local activities on and around World Hepatitis Day. Get in touch with the team to find out how you can participate.
For more information on World Hepatitis Day, visit World Hepatitis Day – 28 July (external site).
For support and information on viral hepatitis, visit HepatitisWA (external site) or call the National Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 437 222.