World Hepatitis Month 2025: A Global Call to Eliminate Hepatitis
World Hepatitis Month is observed every May to raise awareness of hepatitis—a group of infectious diseases that target the liver and affect over 350 million people worldwide. Hepatitis awareness month campaigns are crucial in pushing for early testing, vaccination, and treatment access across the globe.
Recognised by healthcare organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hepatitis month is a rallying call for governments, medical professionals, and communities to work toward eliminating hepatitis as a global health threat by 2030.
- 🧭 About World Hepatitis Month
- ⚠️ Why Hepatitis Awareness Matters
- 📊 Hepatitis by the Numbers (2024–2025)
- 🔬 Understanding the Types of Hepatitis
- 📅 Key Dates in Hepatitis Awareness Calendar
- 🛡️ Prevention, Vaccination & Treatment
- 📣 How to Participate in World Hepatitis Month 2025
- 🌐 Resources & Authorities
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What is World Hepatitis Month?
- 2. Why is May recognised as hepatitis awareness month?
- 3. What’s the difference between hepatitis B and C awareness?
- 4. How can I participate in hepatitis awareness month 2025?
- 🧾 Conclusion: It’s Time to Act
🧭 About World Hepatitis Month
World hepatitis month takes place annually in May, with various health organisations hosting events, campaigns, and free screening drives. This extended observance builds upon the efforts of hepatitis day and World Hepatitis Day (July 28) by dedicating an entire month to liver health and viral hepatitis awareness.
Whether it’s hepatitis B awareness month, hepatitis C awareness month, or general liver health initiatives, May is hepatitis awareness month that drives public education and proactive healthcare action.
⚠️ Why Hepatitis Awareness Matters
Despite being preventable and, in many cases, treatable, viral hepatitis is often misunderstood or ignored. That’s why hepatitis awareness month 2025 aims to:
- Promote public education and break the stigma
- Encourage people to get tested and know their status
- Support national screening and vaccination programs
- Raise awareness of hepatitis B and C, the most dangerous forms
This month also builds on earlier efforts, such as hepatitis awareness month 2022, which reached millions through social media and healthcare provider campaigns.
📊 Hepatitis by the Numbers (2024–2025)
Key Metric | Data | Source |
---|---|---|
People living with hepatitis B or C | 354 million | WHO |
Annual deaths from hepatitis | 1.1 million | CDC |
Percentage of people unaware of their infection | 90% | World Hepatitis Alliance |
Countries with national hepatitis strategies | 70+ | World Hepatitis Alliance |
These sobering stats highlight why national hepatitis awareness month is essential to mobilise global and local action.
🔬 Understanding the Types of Hepatitis
During hepatitis awareness month, public health officials focus on educating the public about the different types of hepatitis, how they spread, and how they can be prevented or treated.
Types of Hepatitis:
- Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food or water; vaccine available.
- Hepatitis B: Spread through bodily fluids; hepatitis B awareness is crucial as it can become chronic.
- Hepatitis C: Spread through blood; curable but no vaccine yet—hepatitis C awareness is a focus for treatment and harm reduction.
- Hepatitis D & E: Less common but linked to HBV and poor sanitation.
Hepatitis B and C are the major causes of liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer, and are the primary focus during hepatitis b awareness month and hepatitis c awareness month.
📅 Key Dates in Hepatitis Awareness Calendar
Date | Event |
---|---|
Entire Month of May | World Hepatitis Month |
May (U.S.) | National Hepatitis Awareness Month |
May 19 | Hepatitis Testing Day (U.S. CDC) |
July 28 | World Hepatitis Day |
Past Event | Hepatitis Awareness Month 2022 |
May is hepatitis awareness month across many nations, with support from agencies like the CDC and WHO.
🛡️ Prevention, Vaccination & Treatment
- Vaccines: Available for hepatitis A and B.
- Testing: Recommended for high-risk groups, pregnant women, and people born before 1965.
- Awareness Campaigns: Key during hepatitis month to inform the public about free or subsidised testing options.
Organisations use this month to distribute educational materials, launch screening camps, and promote hepatitis testing days that are often free of charge.
📣 How to Participate in World Hepatitis Month 2025
Here are simple yet impactful ways individuals and organisations can contribute during hepatitis awareness month:
For Individuals:
- Get tested for hepatitis B and C
- Educate friends and family on transmission and prevention
- Wear green—the colour of hepatitis awareness
For Organisations:
- Host webinars and seminars
- Distribute brochures and flyers
- Organise vaccination drives
- Partner with clinics for free testing
🌐 Resources & Authorities
To stay updated and get involved with world hepatitis month, check out these trustworthy sources:
These organisations provide toolkits, campaign materials, infographics, and event schedules to support hepatitis awareness month 2025 efforts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is World Hepatitis Month?
It is an annual health awareness campaign in May dedicated to educating the public about the risks, prevention, and treatment of all types of hepatitis.
2. Why is May recognised as hepatitis awareness month?
The CDC and other global health agencies designated May as national hepatitis awareness month to encourage testing, reduce stigma, and raise visibility for liver health.
3. What’s the difference between hepatitis B and C awareness?
Hepatitis B awareness focuses on vaccination and chronic condition management, while hepatitis C awareness emphasizes testing and treatment since the virus is curable.
4. How can I participate in hepatitis awareness month 2025?
You can share facts on social media, get tested, attend local events, or host community education workshops.
🧾 Conclusion: It’s Time to Act
World Hepatitis Month 2025 isn’t just a health observance—it’s a global movement to fight a silent epidemic. From hepatitis B awareness month to broader national campaigns, this May is your chance to join hands in eliminating viral hepatitis.
Testing saves lives. Treatment brings hope. Awareness drives change. Let’s make hepatitis history.