DHAKA, July 27, 2025 (BSS) - World Hepatitis Day will be observed tomorrow in the country along with across the globe.

The day has been observed annually to raise awareness about hepatitis since July 28, 2008, when the global initiative was first undertaken by the World Hepatitis Alliance. The aim is to educate people worldwide about the disease, its prevention, and treatment.

In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized World Hepatitis Day as one of its 11 official global public health campaigns. Since then, July 28 has been observed worldwide each year to highlight the threat of viral hepatitis.

Like in other countries, Bangladesh will also observe the day with various awareness and advocacy programmes. This year’s theme is: “Let’s Break It Down”.

Various initiatives will be undertaken tomorrow with the goal of eliminating hepatitis. Activities will focus on educating people about liver diseases, countering myths and misinformation, and encouraging timely and proper medical treatment. 

Every year in Bangladesh, many people lose their lives to serious liver conditions such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. However, with increased awareness and timely intervention, these diseases are largely preventable.

World Hepatitis Day is one of the 11 official global public health campaigns endorsed by the WHO.

Initially, the World Hepatitis Alliance, in collaboration with patient groups, declared May 19 as World Hepatitis Day in 2008. However, in May 2010, during the 63rd World Health Assembly, a resolution was adopted that officially endorsed July 28 as World Hepatitis Day. This date was chosen in honor of Nobel Laureate Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and was born on July 28.

The resolution aimed to enhance global awareness about viral hepatitis as a serious public health concern and to encourage member states to strengthen prevention and control efforts.

Today, World Hepatitis Day is observed in more than 100 countries through events such as free screening, poster campaigns, demonstrations, concerts, talk shows, flash mobs, and vaccination drives. 

The WHO and the World Hepatitis Alliance jointly publish detailed reports each year documenting global activities held on the occasion.