World Hepatitis Day 2024
Today marks the global public health day officially mandated by the World Health Organization, celebrated annually on 28 July. And this year, it is more important than ever.
1.3 million people lose their lives to hepatitis each year – because they weren’t tested, or didn’t have access to treatment, or were never vaccinated.
And new data from the World Health Organization shows the number of deaths is rising.
Hepatitis is now the world’s deadliest virus, after COVID-19, and more than 300 million people are living with it. With only six years left to meet the global goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030, we are moving backwards.
Taking action.
For World Hepatitis Day 2024, WHA, our partners, allies, and our 337 members in 102 countries are calling for action to end this entirely preventable disease.
We have the tools we need to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 – but progress is still too slow. Resources are not being mobilised; stigma and discrimination are not being addressed; and despite commitments made by governments and institutions, millions are being left behind.
There is no time to waste.
World Hepatitis Day 2024, is providing a platform for this message, and making sure it is heard by those with the power to make real change happen. It will amplify the voices of people living with hepatitis demanding testing, treatment, vaccinations and the end of stigma. It will make it clear there is no time to waste, and that leaders, politicians, doctors and communities must act now.
People living with hepatitis are still not being heard or getting the resources they need, despite the global scale of the problem.
This World Hepatitis Day, it’s time for action.