RZI-Pazardzhik Organizes Information Campaign on World Hepatitis Day

On July 28 at 10:00 AM, the Regional Health Inspectorate – Pazardzhik, in cooperation with the Peshtera Municipality and health mediators, will hold an informational and preventive initiative in the town of Peshtera. Citizens will be able to receive free rapid tests for hepatitis B and C and consult with specialists regarding transmission methods, preventive measures, and the importance of early detection of infections.

World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28 and was established by the World Health Organization in honor of the birthday of Prof. Baruch Blumberg, Nobel laureate for discovering new mechanisms of infectious disease emergence and spread. Prof. Blumberg identified the hepatitis B virus and later developed a diagnostic test and a vaccine against it.

The main goal of this observance is to increase public awareness about viral hepatitis, transmission routes, prevention options, and the significance of early diagnosis and treatment. The campaign supports the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2024, approximately 240 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B, and around 47 million with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Viral hepatitis remains a leading cause of severe liver diseases, and in 2024, it was associated with about 1.3 million deaths worldwide. Despite available vaccines and diagnostic and therapeutic methods, millions of people still do not know their status. Early testing and timely treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

The design of the 2026 campaign is under the slogan "Hepatitis: Let's Break It!" which emphasizes removing barriers to awareness, prevention, vaccination, testing, and treatment so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health.

On World Hepatitis Day, the Regional Health Inspectorate – Pazardzhik will organize information campaigns and rapid tests in the region aimed at increasing health literacy, early detection of infections, and promoting prevention.

Hepatitis A is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and more often affects areas with poor hygiene conditions. Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids, and vaccination provides protection. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through infected blood, and there is currently no vaccine; treatment with direct-acting antiviral drugs can cure over 95 percent of cases if detected early. Hepatitis D only affects people infected with Hepatitis B, while Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food. Early testing remains the most reliable way to detect infection in time and prevent serious damage such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Source: pa1-media.bg