World Hepatitis Day 2026: Understand Hepatitis, Prevent Liver Disease and Get Tested Early

World Hepatitis Day 2026, observed on 28 July, is an opportunity to improve awareness about viral hepatitis, encourage timely testing and vaccination and help people living with hepatitis access appropriate care. The official World Health Organization (WHO) theme for 2026 is "Hepatitis: Let's break it down." It calls for breaking down the barriers — such as stigma, lack of awareness and limited access to testing and treatment — that prevent people from receiving potentially life-saving hepatitis services. ¹

Viral hepatitis remains a major global health challenge. WHO's latest Global Hepatitis Report 2026 estimates that more than 280 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024, while approximately 1.3 million people died from hepatitis B and C related cirrhosis and liver cancer during the year. ²

The encouraging reality is that much of this burden can be prevented. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and effectively controlled with antiviral treatment when indicated, while modern medicines can cure more than 95% of people treated appropriately for hepatitis C. ³⁴

For people in Siliguri and surrounding areas, World Hepatitis Day is also a reminder that understanding personal risk, recognising possible symptoms and seeking appropriate medical evaluation can help identify liver disease before serious complications develop.

1. The History and Significance of World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is one of the major global health awareness observances supported by WHO. It is observed annually on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis — liver inflammation caused by hepatitis viruses — and to strengthen prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts. ¹

The World Health Assembly formally designated 28 July as World Hepatitis Day in 2010, helping establish a coordinated international platform for action against viral hepatitis.

World Hepatitis Day 2026 Theme

The WHO theme for World Hepatitis Day 2026 is:

"Hepatitis: Let's break it down."

The campaign focuses on removing barriers between people and hepatitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment services. ¹

This is important because hepatitis is frequently underestimated. Chronic hepatitis B and C can remain unnoticed for years while liver injury gradually develops.

According to WHO's 2026 reporting, more than 280 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C globally in 2024 and approximately 1.3 million deaths were associated with hepatitis B and C related cirrhosis and liver cancer. ²

These numbers reinforce why hepatitis screening, vaccination, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment remain global public-health priorities.

2. Why July 28th?

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28 July because it is the birthday of Dr Baruch S. Blumberg (1925–2011).

Dr Blumberg's research led to the discovery of the hepatitis B virus and contributed to the development of a diagnostic test and the first hepatitis B vaccine. He shared the 1976 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning new mechanisms for the origin and dissemination of infectious diseases. ⁵

His work transformed hepatitis B from a poorly understood infection into a disease that could be identified and, importantly, prevented through vaccination.

3. How World Hepatitis Day Raises Global Awareness

World Hepatitis Day brings together patients, healthcare professionals, governments and communities to promote:

• hepatitis education and prevention;
• hepatitis A and B vaccination where appropriate;
• safer healthcare and injection practices;
• hepatitis B and C testing;
• earlier diagnosis and linkage to treatment;
• prevention of mother-to-child hepatitis B transmission;
• reduction of stigma and discrimination; and
• stronger national hepatitis programmes.

Awareness is particularly important because chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C may be "silent" infections.

A person may feel completely healthy while persistent viral infection gradually damages the liver. Symptoms may not appear until significant fibrosis, cirrhosis or other complications have developed.

Therefore, absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean absence of hepatitis.

4. Role of WHO and the 2030 Elimination Goal

WHO's Global Health Sector Strategies aim to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public-health threat by 2030. ⁶

The 2030 strategy aims for approximately:

• 90% reduction in new infections, and
• 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths

compared with 2015 levels. WHO translates these goals into targets of approximately 520,000 new infections and 450,000 deaths annually by 2030. ⁶

Reaching these goals requires several interventions working together:

• Vaccination: Universal hepatitis B vaccination, particularly the birth dose, can prevent new HBV infections.
• Prevention of mother-to-child transmission: Pregnant women should have appropriate hepatitis B testing so that preventive measures can be planned for newborns when required.
• Safe healthcare: Sterile injections, properly sterilised equipment and screened blood products reduce blood-borne transmission.
• Harm reduction: Sterile injecting equipment and appropriate services for people who inject drugs help prevent HBV and HCV transmission.
• Testing: Identifying people who have hepatitis but do not yet know their status is essential.
• Treatment: Effective antiviral medicines can suppress chronic hepatitis B, while direct-acting antivirals can cure most hepatitis C infections.

India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) was launched on World Hepatitis Day in 2018 and aims to combat viral hepatitis, including elimination of hepatitis C as a public-health problem and reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with hepatitis A, B, C and E. ⁷

5. What Is Hepatitis and How Does It Affect the Liver?

Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver.

The liver performs hundreds of functions essential for life. Among other roles, it:

• processes nutrients absorbed from food;
• metabolises medicines and other substances;
• produces bile to assist digestion;
• stores energy and nutrients;
• produces important blood proteins;
• contributes to normal blood clotting; and
• helps process and remove waste products.

When hepatitis develops, liver cells become inflamed and may be injured.

If inflammation persists for a prolonged period, repeated liver injury and healing may cause fibrosis, meaning scar tissue formation.

In some people, the process may progress:

Inflammation → Fibrosis → Cirrhosis → Liver failure and/or liver cancer

Cirrhosis means advanced scarring that alters the normal structure and function of the liver.

Importantly, not everyone with hepatitis develops cirrhosis or liver cancer. Progression depends on the cause, duration of infection, treatment, age, alcohol use, metabolic factors, other infections and individual health characteristics.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can substantially alter the course of chronic liver disease.

6. Understanding Hepatitis – Types, Causes and Symptoms

Hepatitis is not one single disease.

Acute hepatitis

Acute hepatitis develops over a relatively short period. Hepatitis A and E most commonly cause acute infections, although acute hepatitis B and C can also occur.

Chronic hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis is persistent liver inflammation or infection lasting months or years. Hepatitis B, C and D can cause chronic liver disease.

Viral hepatitis

The five principal hepatitis viruses are:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Although all can affect the liver, they differ significantly in how they spread, whether they become chronic, how they are treated and whether vaccination is available.

Non-viral hepatitis

Liver inflammation can also result from causes such as:

• alcohol-related liver injury;
• autoimmune hepatitis;
• drug-induced liver injury;
• certain toxins; and
• metabolic and other liver disorders.

Therefore, abnormal liver tests do not automatically mean that someone has viral hepatitis.

7. What Are the Different Types of Hepatitis (A–E)?

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by HAV and usually spreads when contaminated food or water is consumed or through close contact associated with inadequate hygiene. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic hepatitis. ⁸ Most people recover with supportive care. Vaccines against hepatitis A are available and can provide effective prevention when vaccination is indicated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by HBV. Transmission may occur through:

• infected blood;
• mother-to-child transmission during childbirth;
• sexual contact;
• contaminated needles or syringes; or
• inadequately sterilised medical, tattoo or piercing equipment.

Some acute infections resolve spontaneously, whereas others become chronic. Infection acquired during infancy or early childhood has a particularly high likelihood of becoming chronic. ³ Chronic HBV infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer. Fortunately, hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by HCV and is transmitted primarily through exposure to infected blood. Possible routes include unsafe injections, sharing injecting equipment, inadequately sterilised procedures and unscreened blood products, particularly in settings or historical periods where blood screening was inadequate.

HCV can cause chronic infection and progressive liver damage. There is currently no effective hepatitis C vaccine, but modern direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of appropriately treated people. ⁴

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is unusual because HDV cannot cause infection without hepatitis B virus. A person may acquire HBV and HDV together or develop HDV infection after already having chronic hepatitis B.

HBV-HDV coinfection can result in more aggressive liver disease and requires specialist assessment. ⁹ Because HDV depends on HBV, hepatitis B vaccination also prevents hepatitis D in people who have not already acquired HBV.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is caused by HEV and commonly spreads through contaminated water, particularly where sanitation is inadequate. Most infections are self-limiting, but severe acute hepatitis can occur.

Hepatitis E deserves particular attention during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, because some HEV infections can be associated with an increased risk of acute liver failure, fetal complications and maternal mortality. ¹⁰ A hepatitis E vaccine exists and is licensed in some countries, but it is not routinely available worldwide. ¹¹

8. Common Causes and Risk Factors

Different hepatitis viruses have different routes of transmission.

Hepatitis A and E

Risk is primarily associated with:

• contaminated drinking water;
• contaminated food;
• inadequate sanitation; and
• poor hand hygiene.

Hepatitis B

Potential risks include:

• mother-to-child transmission;
• sexual exposure;
• contact with infected blood;
• unsafe injections;
• sharing needles;
• unsterile tattooing or piercing;
• occupational needle-stick exposure; and
• sharing blood-contaminated personal items such as razors.

Hepatitis C

HCV transmission occurs mainly through blood exposure, including:

• sharing injecting equipment;
• unsafe medical injections;
• inadequately sterilised equipment;
• unscreened blood or blood products, particularly historically or in settings without adequate screening;
• occupational exposure; and
• unsafe tattooing or piercing.

Sexual and mother-to-child transmission can occur, although these routes are generally less efficient than for hepatitis B.

Hepatitis D

HDV is relevant only in people who also have HBV infection and shares similar blood and body-fluid exposure routes.

9. Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Many hepatitis infections initially produce no symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• unusual tiredness or fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea or vomiting;
• fever;
• discomfort or pain in the upper-right abdomen;
• dark urine;
• pale or clay-coloured stools;
• joint discomfort;
• itching; and
• jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Advanced chronic liver disease may cause additional problems such as abdominal swelling, leg swelling, easy bleeding, confusion or unexplained weight loss.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Medical assessment should be considered promptly if you develop:

• new jaundice;
• persistent vomiting;
• significant abdominal swelling;
• confusion or unusual drowsiness;
• vomiting blood or black stools;
• unusual bleeding; or
• rapid deterioration in general health.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean hepatitis, but they warrant appropriate medical evaluation.

10. How Is Hepatitis Diagnosed?

Symptoms alone cannot reliably tell whether someone has hepatitis A, B, C, D or E.

Diagnosis generally requires blood tests, and sometimes imaging or assessment of liver fibrosis.

Liver function tests

Blood tests may include:

• ALT (alanine aminotransferase);
• AST (aspartate aminotransferase);
• bilirubin;
• alkaline phosphatase;
• albumin; and
• other measurements depending on the clinical situation.

These tests provide information about liver injury and function but do not by themselves identify the hepatitis virus.

Hepatitis B testing

Tests may include:

• HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen);
• anti-HBc;
• anti-HBs;
• HBeAg/anti-HBe in selected situations; and
• HBV DNA, which measures viral replication.

The combination required depends on whether the purpose is screening, diagnosis or treatment assessment.

Hepatitis C testing

Testing commonly begins with anti-HCV antibodies. A positive antibody test indicates previous exposure but does not necessarily mean that active infection is still present.

HCV RNA testing detects viral genetic material and confirms current infection. ¹²

Hepatitis A and E

Specific antibody or molecular testing may be performed when acute hepatitis A or E is clinically suspected.

Assessing liver damage

Depending on the patient, clinicians may recommend:

• abdominal ultrasound;
• transient elastography/FibroScan where available;
• blood-based fibrosis scores;
• additional imaging; or
• other investigations.

A useful way to understand hepatitis investigations is:

• Screening test → identifies possible infection
• Confirmatory test → establishes whether infection is present/active
• Liver assessment → determines how much liver injury or fibrosis has occurred

11. Who Is at Risk and Who Should Get Tested?

Testing recommendations vary according to national guidance, individual risk and clinical circumstances.

People who may particularly benefit from hepatitis B or C testing include those with:

• possible previous exposure to infected blood;
• a history of unsafe injections;
• previous blood transfusion where screening standards may have been uncertain;
• injecting-drug use;
• HIV infection;
• dialysis treatment;
• unexplained abnormal liver function tests;
• tattoos or piercings performed using uncertain sterilisation practices;
• occupational exposure to blood;
• a household or sexual partner with hepatitis B;
• origin from or prolonged residence in areas with higher HBV/HCV prevalence; or
• other risk factors identified by a healthcare professional.

Pregnant women should undergo appropriate hepatitis B screening, because identifying maternal infection allows interventions to reduce transmission to the newborn. ¹³

International recommendations have increasingly moved toward broader adult HBV and HCV screening, while India's NVHCP provides national testing and management frameworks. ⁷¹⁴

Because individual circumstances differ, discuss your personal need for a hepatitis test with a qualified healthcare professional.

12. Hepatitis Treatment Advances and Outlook

Treatment depends entirely on the type and stage of hepatitis.

Hepatitis A and E

Most uncomplicated hepatitis A and E infections are treated with supportive care, such as adequate hydration, nutrition and monitoring.

People with severe symptoms, pregnancy-associated hepatitis E, pre-existing liver disease or signs of liver failure may require closer specialist or hospital-based care.

Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B is treatable, but current antiviral therapy should not be described as routinely curing HBV.

WHO recommends potent antiviral medicines such as tenofovir or entecavir for eligible patients. ³¹⁵ These medicines can suppress HBV replication and substantially reduce the risk of disease progression.

Treatment decisions consider factors such as:

• HBV DNA levels;
• ALT and other liver tests;
• fibrosis or cirrhosis;
• age and medical history;
• coinfections; and
• other clinical factors.

Some people require long-term or lifelong treatment.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C treatment has changed dramatically with the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Modern oral DAA regimens can cure more than 95% of people with HCV infection. ⁴

Cure is confirmed by demonstrating a sustained virologic response (SVR) — meaning HCV RNA remains undetectable after completion of treatment, typically assessed 12 weeks after therapy.

Even after successful treatment, some patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis require continued liver surveillance.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D should be managed by clinicians experienced in viral hepatitis.

Treatment options continue to evolve. Pegylated interferon has historically been used in selected patients, while bulevirtide, an HDV entry inhibitor, has become available in some jurisdictions for chronic hepatitis D with compensated liver disease. ⁹ Availability and treatment recommendations vary by country and individual clinical circumstances.

13. Prevention of Hepatitis – Vaccination and Lifestyle

How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Family?

Many hepatitis infections are preventable.

Get vaccinated when appropriate

Effective vaccines are available against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is particularly important because preventing HBV also prevents HDV infection in people who have not already acquired hepatitis B.

WHO recommends that infants receive the first hepatitis B vaccine dose as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours, followed by completion of the recommended vaccination schedule. ¹⁵

There is currently no effective routinely available vaccine for hepatitis C. ⁴

Reduce exposure risks

Practical measures include:

• drink safe water;
• maintain good food hygiene;
• wash hands properly;
• use sterile needles and syringes;
• ensure blood and blood products are appropriately screened;
• use properly sterilised medical and dental equipment;
• choose tattoo and piercing facilities that follow appropriate infection-control procedures;
• practise safer sex when relevant;
• never share injecting equipment;
• avoid sharing razors or other items potentially contaminated with blood;
• follow standard precautions when working with blood;
• obtain appropriate hepatitis testing during pregnancy; and
• seek medical assessment after occupational blood exposure.

Protect your liver

People with hepatitis or other liver disease should discuss alcohol intake with their healthcare professional and may be advised to avoid alcohol.

Avoid taking unnecessary medicines, herbal preparations or supplements that could potentially injure the liver without appropriate medical guidance. A "natural" product is not automatically safe for the liver.

14. Hepatitis Care Services at Epitome Superspeciality, Siliguri

Hepatitis care is not limited to performing a single blood test. Appropriate evaluation often involves identifying the type of hepatitis, determining whether infection is active, assessing liver injury and deciding whether treatment or continued monitoring is required.

At Epitome Superspeciality, Siliguri, patients can seek gastroenterology consultation for concerns related to hepatitis, jaundice, abnormal liver function tests and other liver or gastrointestinal conditions.

Clinical evaluation may include, where medically appropriate and available:

• evaluation of jaundice;
• interpretation of abnormal liver function tests;
• hepatitis screening and diagnostic evaluation;
• assessment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C;
• evaluation of chronic liver disease;
• appropriate laboratory investigations;
• assessment of liver fibrosis or imaging when clinically indicated and available;
• treatment planning;
• follow-up of chronic liver disease; and
• counselling regarding vaccination, prevention and liver health.

If you have previously been diagnosed with hepatitis, have unexplained abnormal liver tests, develop jaundice or believe you may have been exposed to hepatitis, consider discussing your concerns with the Gastroenterology team at Epitome Superspeciality, Siliguri.

A timely hepatitis test in Siliguri may be particularly important for people with identifiable risk factors because hepatitis B and C can remain silent for years.

For anyone looking for a gastroenterologist in Siliguri, liver specialist in Siliguri, or information about hepatitis treatment in Siliguri, the first step should be an appropriate clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis or self-treatment.

This World Hepatitis Day 2026, understand your risk, protect your liver and seek testing when medically appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is World Hepatitis Day 2026?

World Hepatitis Day 2026 is observed on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. It is a WHO-supported global awareness day focused on prevention, testing, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.

2. Why is World Hepatitis Day celebrated on July 28?

July 28 is the birthday of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr Baruch S. Blumberg, whose work led to the discovery of hepatitis B virus and development of a diagnostic test and vaccine.

3. What are the five types of viral hepatitis?

The five major types are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. They are caused by different viruses and differ in transmission, chronicity, prevention and treatment.

4. Which hepatitis is most dangerous?

There is no single answer for every patient. Chronic hepatitis B, C and D can cause serious long-term liver disease. HBV and HCV are major global causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer, while acute hepatitis E can be particularly serious during pregnancy.

5. Can hepatitis be cured?

It depends on the type. Hepatitis A and most hepatitis E infections usually resolve spontaneously. Hepatitis C can usually be cured with modern antiviral treatment. Chronic hepatitis B can often be effectively controlled, although routine treatment does not usually eradicate the virus completely.

6. Is hepatitis B curable?

Current antiviral therapy can suppress hepatitis B very effectively and reduce the risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer, but chronic hepatitis B is not routinely cured by currently available treatment.

7. Can hepatitis C be cured?

Yes. Modern oral direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of appropriately treated people with hepatitis C. ⁴

8. Is there a vaccine for hepatitis?

Vaccines are available against hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis B vaccination also prevents hepatitis D in people protected from HBV. There is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C. A hepatitis E vaccine is licensed in some countries but is not routinely available worldwide.

9. Who should get tested for hepatitis?

Testing may be appropriate for people with blood-exposure risks, abnormal liver tests, injecting-drug use, dialysis, HIV, relevant sexual or household exposure, unsafe tattooing/piercing or other recognised risk factors. Pregnant women should receive appropriate HBV screening.

10. Where can I get a hepatitis test in Siliguri?

People concerned about hepatitis can seek medical evaluation through a qualified healthcare provider or gastroenterology clinic in Siliguri. At Epitome Superspeciality, Siliguri, patients can discuss their risk factors and whether hepatitis screening, diagnostic testing or further liver evaluation is appropriate.

References

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16. Schillie S, Wester C, Osborne M, Wesolowski L, Ryerson AB. CDC recommendations for hepatitis C screening among adults—United States, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2020;69(2):1-17.
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This article is authored by Dr. Md. Nadeem Parvez (MD, DM – PGIMER Chandigarh, Head of Department, Gastroenterology) and is intended for general health education. It does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Testing and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.