Breaking down barriers to hepatitis care

World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 every year to raise awareness on viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer.

This year’s theme, ‘Hepatitis: Let’s break it down’, is a call to remove the barriers between people and the services that can save their lives, the World Health Organization said. 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. And yet, millions of people remain undiagnosed, untreated, or unable to access care due to stigma, limited awareness, health system gaps, and persistent inequalities. The 2026 campaign calls for turning proven science into action through stronger political commitment, sustained investment, and efforts to expand equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care.

Published on July 27, 2026