8 September, 2017

World Hepatitis Day aims to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and is held on the 28th July each year. It is estimated that 325 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B and C globally, and more than 1.3 million people die each year from hepatitis- as many as HIV/AIDS.

This year’s campaign urged people to #showyourface, aiming to encourage people to feel empowered, personally connected and understand their role in the elimination of hepatitis by 2030. In acknowledgement of World Hepatitis Day the hepatitis team at Public Health England, Colindale set up a stand, with games, quizzes, promotional material and a raffle, to raise awareness  of hepatitis in the PHE workforce.

In addition, we are urging people at risk to get a free test for hepatitis C and there is a quiz available at NHS Choices which can help persons to assess whether they are at risk of hepatitis C. The virus can cause severe liver damage and cancer but revolutionary treatments can now cure the virus in the vast majority of cases.

More information on hepatitis is available at NHS choices, or the following video provides further information on all the hepatidities.