World Hepatitis Day 2026: Why It Is Observed and Its Importance

World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, a liver disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The campaign promotes prevention, early diagnosis, vaccination, and timely treatment to reduce the impact of hepatitis.

Hepatitis is caused by five major viruses - Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. While some types cause short-term illness, chronic infections can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if left untreated.

The day is observed on July 28 to honour Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed the first vaccine against it. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognised World Hepatitis Day in 2010.

World Hepatitis Day encourages people to get vaccinated, undergo regular screening, seek early treatment, and spread awareness, supporting the global goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat.