Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar marks World Hepatitis Day

Doha, Qatar: Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar is raising awareness about hepatitis as it marks the World Hepatitis Day. The liver is one of the most im...

Doha, Qatar: Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar is raising awareness about hepatitis as it marks the World Hepatitis Day.

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It performs over 500 vital functions every day, including removing toxins, regulating blood clotting, extracting bacteria from the bloodstream, and producing protein.

Hepatitis, a liver inflammation caused by infectious viruses and noninfectious agents, is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ due to its tendency to show no obvious symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. The disease disrupts essential bodily functions, leading to severe liver problems with potentially fatal consequences. Hepatitis viruses can be categorized into types A to E, with each differing in transmission methods, severity, and prevention. Among these, hepatitis B and C are considered the most severe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, the number of lives lost due to viral hepatitis is on the rise, with 1.3 million annual deaths, making it the second leading infectious cause of death globally, next to tuberculosis. Every day, 3,500 people die from hepatitis B and C infections, and over 300 million people live with these diseases.

World Hepatitis Day, initiated by the WHO, is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness about liver-related diseases and the urgency for testing, treatment, and prevention. The WHO is committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030.