World Hepatitis Day is an annual event observed on July 28 to raise awareness about liver-related diseases, particularly hepatitis. One institution that is actively involved in spreading awareness about hepatitis is Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. The liver, being one of the most crucial organs in the human body, performs numerous vital functions daily, including detoxifying the body, regulating blood clotting, and producing essential proteins. When the liver becomes inflamed due to hepatitis, it can lead to severe health problems and even death if left untreated. Hepatitis viruses, categorized from A to E, differ in transmission methods, severity, and prevention, with hepatitis B and C being the most severe types. The number of deaths due to viral hepatitis is rising, with 1.3 million annual deaths worldwide, making it the second leading infectious cause of death.
Efforts are being made worldwide to eliminate hepatitis by incorporating vaccines into national immunization programs and developing antiviral treatments for different strains. In Qatar, significant progress has been made in eliminating hepatitis B in children by providing free vaccines to newborns. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group has conducted over 50 studies on the epidemiology of viral hepatitis, significantly contributing to the understanding of disease epidemiology. The group has also collaborated with the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean to produce a comprehensive report on the hepatitis C virus epidemic in the region, guiding efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Laith Abu-Raddad, a key figure in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, emphasizes the need for collective efforts to combat hepatitis. He highlights the importance of vaccination for preventing hepatitis A and B and the availability of treatment for hepatitis C. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s Institute for Population Health have published a comprehensive overview of systematic reviews on hepatitis C in the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on evidence-based intervention strategies to eliminate the disease in the region. The researchers emphasize the importance of targeted screening and intervention for at-risk populations with high hepatitis C exposure rates.
Dr. Sohaila Cheema, another expert in population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, stresses the critical need to raise awareness about hepatitis to prevent the transmission of infections and reduce the risk of chronic liver disease and death. The vast majority of people infected with hepatitis B and C are unaware of their status, highlighting the importance of education and prevention strategies. World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining liver health and working together to create a world free of hepatitis. The day commemorates the contributions of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed its diagnostic test and vaccine, underscoring the significance of ongoing research and collaboration in the fight against hepatitis.
