World Hepatitis Day, on 28 Jul 2017

"World Hepatitis Day" takes places every year on 28th July and brings the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change. Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year - that's as many as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria. Together, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause 80% of liver cancer cases in the world. With the availability of effective vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C, the elimination of viral hepatitis is achievable, but greater awareness and understanding of the disease and the risks is a must, as is access to cheaper diagnostics and treatment. "World Hepatitis Day - 2017" presents an ideal opportunity: an opportunity to join together and raise the profile of viral hepatitis among the public, the world's media and on the global health agenda.