World Hepatitis Day 2025: Urgent Call to Tackle Europe's Health Crisis

World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28 July, highlights a critical yet often overlooked health issue in the UK and Europe.

With approximately 3.2 million individuals in the EU/EEA living with chronic hepatitis B and 1.8 million with hepatitis C, many remain undiagnosed and untreated, increasing their risk of severe liver disease and cancer. Despite being preventable and treatable, hepatitis continues to cause thousands of deaths annually.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported that diagnosis and treatment rates fall significantly short of international targets, jeopardising the goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030. On this day, health institutions across Europe are urging for enhanced screening, early diagnosis, and equitable access to care. They stress the importance of integrating hepatitis services into existing health systems and addressing barriers such as the high cost of medication and gaps in data collection.

Hepatitis, often referred to as a "silent" disease, can progress without noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making early detection crucial. Symptoms, when they do appear, may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if left untreated.

The treatment landscape for hepatitis has seen significant advancements. Hepatitis B can be managed with antiviral medications, which help control the virus and prevent liver damage. For hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications have revolutionised treatment, offering cure rates exceeding 95% with a typical course lasting 8 to 12 weeks. Despite these advancements, access to treatment remains uneven across Europe, with cost being a significant barrier for many.

Testing for hepatitis involves blood tests that detect the presence of the virus or the antibodies produced in response to it. Early testing is vital for effective management and treatment, yet many individuals remain unaware of their infection status. Increasing public awareness and encouraging routine testing are essential steps in combating the spread of hepatitis.

The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day, 'Let's Break It Down,' calls for dismantling the barriers that hinder progress towards a hepatitis-free world. The World Hepatitis Alliance has outlined four key goals: ensuring everyone has the knowledge to make informed decisions about testing, treatment, and vaccination; encouraging decision-makers to advocate for necessary resources; ending the stigma associated with hepatitis; and demonstrating that elimination is achievable through collective effort.

In 2016, the UK government pledged to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Progress towards this goal has been promising, thanks to collaborative efforts across various sectors, including the NHS, prisons, and voluntary organisations. At a recent parliamentary event titled 'Hepatitis C Elimination: Celebrating Progress and Sustaining Success,' Dr Meg Doherty, WHO Director of the Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, praised these efforts as exemplary on a global scale.

The broader significance of addressing hepatitis extends beyond individual health. Hepatitis-related liver disease places a substantial burden on healthcare systems, and its elimination could lead to significant economic savings. Moreover, reducing the prevalence of hepatitis can improve overall public health outcomes and quality of life for millions.

Efforts to combat hepatitis also intersect with broader public health initiatives, such as improving access to healthcare, reducing health disparities, and enhancing disease surveillance systems. By integrating hepatitis services into primary healthcare and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to testing and treatment, countries can make strides towards achieving the World Health Organization's elimination targets.

The role of education and awareness cannot be overstated. Public health campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about hepatitis, its transmission, and prevention methods are crucial. These campaigns should target high-risk groups, including individuals with a history of intravenous drug use, those with multiple sexual partners, and healthcare workers.

Vaccination remains a powerful tool in the fight against hepatitis. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and is recommended for all infants and high-risk adults. Increasing vaccination coverage can significantly reduce the incidence of new infections and is a cornerstone of hepatitis prevention strategies.

As World Hepatitis Day 2025 draws attention to this pressing health issue, it serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. By fostering collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and communities, and by prioritising education, testing, and treatment, Europe can make meaningful progress towards a future free from the burden of hepatitis.

If you are concerned and think you may have been exposed to hepatitis or, are in an at risk group, and would like testing, you can contact the health team at H10 using the information below.

H10.
10 Hammersmith Broadway
London
W6 7AL

Call: 020 3315 1010

Or you can book an appointment online at:

https://chelwest.liliehub.health/Lilie-CWH/Hub/home