The month of May is recognized as Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 has been designated World Hepatitis Day. The annual observance is intended to raise awareness about the national and global impact of viral hepatitis and the importance of preventing hepatitis-related liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, but typically refers to infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV).

"The day has been launched in response to the concern that chronic viral hepatitis has nowhere near the level of awareness nor the political will to tackle it that is seen in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria," according to the World Hepatitis Alliance. "This is despite the fact that the numbers chronically infected with, and annually killed by, the hepatitis B and C viruses are on the same scale."

The theme of World Hepatitis Day is "Am I number 12?" -- referring to the fact than an estimated 1 in 12 people worldwide have viral hepatitis. The slogan is intended to urge people at risk to learn whether they have hepatitis and get treatment if needed.

In an effort to raise awareness of and response to hepatitis B and C, the World Hepatitis Alliance -- a coalition of more than 200 advocacy organizations -- has developed "12 Asks" directed at politicians and public health officials:

Public recognition of chronic viral hepatitis as an urgent public health issue.

The appointment of an individual to lead government strategy nationally.

The development of a patient pathway for screening, diagnosis, referral, and treatment.

Clear, quantifiable targets for reducing incidence and prevalence.

Clear, quantifiable targets for reducing mortality.

Clear, quantifiable targets for screening.

Effective surveillance and publication of national incidence and prevalence statistics.

Commitment to examine cases of best practice internationally.

Commitment to work with patients groups in policy design and implementation.

Provision of free anonymous (or confidential) testing.

A public awareness campaign that alerts people to the issue and is committed to reducing stigma.

Commitment to an ongoing national vaccination program.

An effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A and B; there is currently no preventive vaccine for hepatitis C, but research is underway. Hepatitis A is a self-limiting infection. Hepatitis B and C can be treated, but current available therapies are not always successful.

In addition to encouraging testing and treatment, the World Hepatitis Alliance aims to reduce the stigma often association with hepatitis B and C. "Importantly, the hepatitis B and C viruses do not discriminate," according to the group. "Prevention messages apply to everyone."

For more information about World Hepatitis Day, visit www.worldhepatitisday.org.

For information about viral hepatitis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), see www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.

5/19/09

Sources

National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable. World Hepatitis Day 2009 (www.nvhr.org/WHD-2009.htm).

World Hepatitis Alliance. World Hepatitis Day: Are You Number 12? (www.worldhepatitisday.org).