World Hepatitis Day

May 19 is World Hepatitis Day. On this day, Canada will join with groups around the world to raise public awareness of the life-threatening liver diseases hepatitis B and C. These are chronic, lifelong viral infections that can affect anyone from any walk of life. One in 12 people worldwide is afflicted with one or the other  – 600,000 of them in Canada. Many don't even know it. They may have no obvious symptoms until serious liver damage has occurred. 

The WHD focus for this year’s campaign is to raise public awareness. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be spread by sharing personal hygiene items such as razors and toothbrushes, or by using non-sterile equipment for tattoos, body piercing, injection drugs or medical procedures.

Hepatitis A and B may be prevented by vaccines, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The earlier hepatitis C is detected, the sooner it can be treated and the greater the likelihood of recovery. The most likely outcome without treatment is cirrhosis of the liver, which can be fatal in the absence of a liver transplant. 

Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne virus in North America and the primary reason for liver transplants in Canada and the United States. Two thirds of patients on the transplant waiting list will die before a suitable liver becomes available. The disease is almost five times more prevalent than HIV in North America.

The Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH) has been contracted  by the Public Health Agency of  Canada to take the lead in organizing WHD activities across the country. We are collaborating with the Canadian Liver Foundation, the Canadian Hemophilia Society, the Canadian Ethnocultural Council, the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange and other national and local community groups.

As the focus this year is awareness, the activities planned to raise public awareness are varied. We are encouraging groups across Canada to organize events on or around May 19 and will supply them with promotional items (bookmarks, buttons etc.) to hand out  to the public.  We also are organizing a national poster competition and we have the World Hepatitis Day microsite updated and running at www.whdcanada.ca 

In Ottawa, the main event planned is a breakfast for MPs, senators, interested members of the public and the media in the Parliamentary Restaurant, please check the World Hepatitis Day microsite for events dates and details.

We urge everyone to learn about Hepatitis B and C. To find out more, visit: www.whdcanada.ca  and www.aminumber12.org