World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer.
There are five main types of hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people worldwide and, together, are the most common causes of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
“I can’t wait” is the new campaign theme for World Hepatitis Day 2022. This highlights the need to accelerate the fight against viral hepatitis and the importance of screening and treatment for people who need it.
World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to step up national and international efforts to combat hepatitis, to mobilize action and engagement by individuals, partners, and the public, and to highlight the need for a greater global response.
Therefore, many pharmaceutical companies are working to find a remedy for hepatitis. Gilead has developed the major antiviral hepatitis drugs. The company is collaborating with regional partners to launch the Sovaldi®, Harvoni® and Epclusa® brands in low- and middle-income countries, with priority given to those with the highest burden of morbidity. Clinical research in hepatology has a rich history in many areas, including the discovery and development of therapies for diseases such as hepatitis B and C, and the study of the natural history of many forms of chronic liver disease.