World Hepatitis Day is celebrated globally every year on 28 July. Background World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO's Global hepatitis report of 2017. The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus. Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems, including severe liver damage and cancer, some of which can be fatal. There are 5 main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While they can all cause liver disease, they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths. They are among the main infectious disease killers, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths per year. An estimated 304 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach. Theme for 2026: Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down The World Hepatitis Day 2026 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” is a call to remove the barriers that stand between people and the services that can save their lives. Viral hepatitis continues to be a major cause of preventable illness and death worldwide. The tools needed to eliminate viral hepatitis already exist. Effective vaccines, accurate diagnostics, curative treatments for hepatitis C, and lifelong therapies for hepatitis B can prevent infections, save lives, and reduce liver cancer and cirrhosis. Despite this, millions of people remain undiagnosed, untreated, or unable to access care due to stigma, limited awareness, health system gaps, and persistent inequalities. The campaign is a reminder that we must act now to expand access, integrate care, and end hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030. Key messages Leverage existing science and policies - Effective vaccines, accurate diagnostics, curative treatments for hepatitis C, and long-term therapies for hepatitis B are already available and proven. These tools can prevent infection, interrupt transmission, and save millions of lives by reducing liver disease and liver cancer. The priority now is to ensure these interventions are scaled up and equitably delivered to all who need them, which requires strengthened political commitment, investment and accountability. Put people and communities at the center of hepatitis elimination - Lasting progress depends on the leadership and participation of people affected by hepatitis. When communities help shape policies, programmes and services, the response becomes more effective, accountable and responsive to people's needs. Ensure equitable access to hepatitis services for all - Everyone should be able to benefit from WHO-recommended hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and care services. Expanding access for underserved and vulnerable populations through people-centred, integrated service delivery is essential to reducing inequalities.nbsp; Integrate hepatitis services into universal health coverage - Hepatitis services should be embedded within primary health care and universal health coverage systems so that prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care are available throughout the life course. A multisectoral, human rights-based approach is essential to addressing barriers to access. Accelerate research and innovation - We have the opportunity to change the trajectory of viral hepatitis. By investing in research, development and innovation for the prevention, detection and treatment of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis D co-infection; expanding equitable access to affordable technologies, and fostering collaboration across sectors, countries can improve outcomes for millions of people. Source : WHO