'Let's break it down' – toward a hepatitis-free future

World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is observed globally on 28 July, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), which includes 400 member organizations across 115 countries. This global campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage prevention, testing, and treatment of viral hepatitis.

In Bangladesh, both government and non-governmental organizations observe this day through various awareness and educational initiatives. This year, the Honorable Chief Adviser of the interim government issued a special message urging everyone to come forward in the fight against hepatitis to achieve the 2030 Elimination Goal through united action. The National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh is leading nationwide efforts with several impactful programs to spread awareness about viral hepatitis.

Theme of World Hepatitis Day 2025: "Let's Break It Down"

This theme emphasizes breaking down barriers and removing obstacles that hinder efforts to prevent and treat hepatitis. Everyone must be informed about prevention methods and the serious consequences of viral hepatitis. Testing, vaccination, and timely treatment should be accessible to all.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, primarily caused by viral infections—namely Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses can lead to acute or chronic liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis is now the world's second deadliest infectious disease, with over 2.2 million new infections annually. Each year, hepatitis-related complications claim over 1 million lives globally, and the numbers continue to rise.

Hepatitis in Bangladesh

• Hepatitis A & E are widespread, transmitted mainly through contaminated food and water. These can lead to severe acute liver infections, including fulminant hepatic failure.
• Hepatitis B affects about 4.4% of the population; Hepatitis C, about 0.66%. An additional concern is occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV), where individuals may test negative for surface antigen (HBsAg) but still carry the virus, remaining undiagnosed and at risk of liver damage.
• Estimated 9–10 million people in Bangladesh are living with Hepatitis B or C.
• These two viruses cause more than 20,000 deaths each year in the country.
• Liver cancer, largely caused by hepatitis viruses, is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Bangladesh.

How to Prevent Hepatitis

For Hepatitis A & E:

• Spread through contaminated food and drink.
• Ensure safe drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Hepatitis A vaccine is available.
• Hepatitis E can be dangerous during pregnancy. Special precautions are needed for pregnant women.

For Hepatitis B & C:

• Transmitted via infected blood and body fluids (e.g., semen, saliva, vaginal fluids).
• Key preventive measures:
  
  • Screen all blood before transfusion, including HBV core antibody (Anti-HBc).
  • Avoid reuse of needles and syringes.
  • Do not share personal items like razors or toothbrushes.
  • Ensure sterilized tools for barbershops, dental care, surgeries, piercings, tattoos.
  • Practice safe sex.
  • Prevent infected individuals from donating blood or organs.

How to Control Hepatitis B & C

• Universal testing and vaccination of all children and young adults.
• Prevent mother-to-child transmission:
  
  • Test all pregnant women for hepatitis B.
  • Administer birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours, and HBIG if needed.
  • Follow-up doses at 1–2 months and 6 months of age.
• Promote safe medical practices, especially in surgeries and dental care.
• Improve access to antiviral treatment—especially Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Hepatitis C, which have a 95% cure rate.
• Reduce stigma and discrimination in employment, education, and social spheres.
• Dispel myths and superstitions through education and scientific awareness.

Hepatitis Control in Rural Bangladesh

• Over 60% of Bangladesh's population resides in rural areas.
• Awareness, testing, and treatment facilities are largely urban-centered.
• 62% of pregnant women live in rural regions and urgently need access to:
  
  • Hepatitis B screening and treatment.
  • Newborn vaccination and HBIG within 24 hours of birth.
• Misinformation, superstition, and lack of access make rural communities particularly vulnerable.
• Decentralization of services is critical for inclusive healthcare.

Roadmap to Eliminate Hepatitis by 2030

To achieve the WHO Elimination Target by 2030, Bangladesh must:

• Implement Birth Dose Vaccination for all newborns nationwide.
• Launch and enforce the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program.
• Combine efforts of the government, NGOs, health professionals, and the community.
• Focus on awareness, screening, prevention, and affordable treatment for all, especially disadvantaged populations.

Together, we can create a hepatitis-free Bangladesh.

Let us break down the barriers and move forward with awareness, action, and compassion.

Professor Mohammad Ali is the secretary general of National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.