‘This is hepatitis...’

‘This is hepatitis…’ is the theme for the 2010 World Hepatitis Day campaign and aims to tell the global human story of what viral hepatitis actually means – communicated by the people most closely affected by the diseases.

The campaign theme is designed to tell the real-life stories of the effect that hepatitis B and C have on the lives of the 500 million people affected worldwide.  The campaign theme focuses on the physical and emotional impact of viral hepatitis, but also aims to empower those living with the diseases though the sharing of inspirational stories. The World Hepatitis Alliance has launched the campaign theme to generate increased understanding and to help destigmatise two diseases that kill over one million people every year.  

The World Hepatitis Alliance is supporting the campaign theme with the launch of a new community ‘Wall’, where people can share their personal stories of hepatitis B and C.  The World Hepatitis Alliance has also launched a new ‘This is hepatitis...’ blog, which will chart individuals from different countries as they provide a unique insight into the impact that viral hepatitis has on their lives. The blog aims to provide a forum in which people around the world can come together and talk about their experiences of viral hepatitis.  Visit the blog now, post a comment and help make a difference.

2010 Campaign Materials

The World Hepatitis Alliance has developed a variety of materials to promote the new ‘This is hepatitis...’ campaign theme, which are focused on the following core areas:

• Prevention: ‘Get Protected’ – knowing the risk factors for hepatitis B and C is the most important step in preventing new infections
• Diagnosis: ‘Get Tested’ – getting tested for hepatitis B and C is quick and simple, and if people think they might have been at risk, they should get tested immediately
• Protection: ‘Get Vaccinated’ – in the case of hepatitis B there is a vaccine and the disease is preventable through immunisation
• Treatment: ‘Get Treated’ – in many cases, treatment for hepatitis B and C is effective

Please note these are template materials and have been developed for adaptation and translation as appropriate to your country’s needs and requirements.