The World Health Organization (WHO) draws attention to viral hepatitis on July 28 every year. This year´s slogan Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down raises awareness of what stands in the way of addressing the problem.

Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and a growing cause of death globally

Chronic viral hepatitis causes 1.3 million deaths each year, mainly from liver cancer and cirrhosis. There are 3500 deaths every day, on par with tuberculosis. Hepatitis B and C are spreading silently, with 6000 people are infected daily. Despite being preventable and treatable, the disease burden continues to rise, especially in regions with limited access to care.

Knowing your status is the first step to preventing liver cancer

Most people living with hepatitis do not know that they are infected. Early diagnosis is the first step to accessing life-saving treatment and preventing liver cancer. Testing, especially for those in endemic areas or at higher risk, is critical to ending hepatitis.

The world can collectively prevent 2.8 million deaths by 2030

Hepatitis elimination is within reach. Vaccines exist, curative treatments and tools to stop transmission. Most cases are diagnosed too late. Action must be taken urgently to expand access to health care, integrate care, and end hepatitis as a public health problem.

Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down

Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses can lead to serious diseases and liver cancer. The best known hepatitis viruses are: A, B, C, D and E. Thousands of children, adolescents and adults fall ill each year due to acute hepatitis infections caused by these viruses.

The international community has made it a priority to eliminate hepatitis B and C infections that can lead to chronic hepatitis causing over one million deaths per year worldwide from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The theme of World Hepatitis Day in 2025 calls for action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers – including stigma – that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.

The Chief Epidemiologist