(Black PR Wire) One issue that should unite us is World Hepatitis. Did you know that World Hepatitis Day takes place every year on July 28th? It’s purpose? To bring the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.

One of just four disease-specific global awareness days officially endorsed by the World Health Organization, World Hepatitis Day unites patient organizations, governments, medical professionals, civil society, industry and the general public to boost the global profile of viral hepatitis.

According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, 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.

Viral hepatitis is truly a global epidemic that can affect millions of people without them even being aware. Currently, 90% of people living with hepatitis B and 80% living with hepatitis C are not aware of their status. This can result in the real possibility of developing fatal liver disease at some point in their lives and in some cases, unknowingly transmitting the infection to others.

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 presents an ideal opportunity: an opportunity to join together and raise the awareness of viral hepatitis. By working together, this disease can unite us and we can fight Hepatitis.