- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessHealth
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every July 26 through August 1
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎗️
Hepatitis Awareness Week unites communities every July 26 to August 1, dedicating a full week to amplifying the voices of those affected by hepatitis and celebrating medical advancements. This vital observance highlights that viral hepatitis causes over one million deaths annually. Get informed, get tested, and support global eradication efforts.
Want to sponsor Hepatitis Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Hepatitis Awareness Week Deals
During Hepatitis Awareness Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial awareness and fundraising initiatives. Organizations like the CDC Foundation, Hepatitis B Foundation, and World Hepatitis Alliance partner with corporate sponsors to amplify their message. Expect donation matching campaigns from pharmaceutical companies such as Gilead Sciences and AbbVie, along with health systems like Kaiser Permanente offering free or low-cost screenings. Retailers may feature roundup-at-checkout programs or donate a portion of sales from specific wellness products. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as July 26 approaches, but we encourage direct donations and participation in local events.
Platform Guide for Hepatitis Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HepatitisAwarenessWeek. Share educational infographics, personal stories (with consent), and calls to action for testing and vaccination.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #HepatitisAwarenessWeek. Participate in live Q&A sessions with health experts and share breaking news on research and policy changes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HepatitisAwarenessWeek. Join community groups discussing living with hepatitis, share event details, and promote local screening drives.
Hepatitis Awareness Week Hero
Baruch S. Blumberg
History of Hepatitis Awareness Week
Five viruses, discovered between 1963 and 1989, were found to be the cause of viral hepatitis worldwide, namely: Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis B virus (H.B.V.), Hepatitis C virus (H.C.V.), Hepatitis delta virus, and Hepatitis E virus. The first description of the Hepatitis A or jaundice epidemic is mentioned by Hippocrates. Hepatitis A (outbreak of jaundice) was also reported in 17th and 18th-century military campaigns. In the 1940s, Hepatitis A was first differentiated from Hepatitis B, which is reported to have a longer incubation period. The development of serologic tests (blood tests to detect the presence of antibodies) and identification of viruses helped in the differentiation of Hepatitis A from other types of Hepatitis viruses.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C cause over 80% of all liver cancer. Transmission of the Hepatitis C virus is primarily through exposure to infected blood. Risks for transmission include intravenous drug use, high-risk sexual activity, birth to an infected mother, etc. Almost every patient with Hepatitis C eventually develops the antibody to H.C.V., but it can be low or almost undetectable in immunodeficient patients.
In 1981, the F.D.A. approved plasma-derived Hepatitis B vaccine for human use, and by 1986, second-generation D.N.A. recombinant Hepatitis B vaccines were produced. These new vaccines were synthetically prepared, and they are completely approved in the United States.
Hepatitis Awareness Week timeline
The first clinical features of Hepatitis are written by Hippocrates, in his treaty “De Morbis Internis,” as an illness characterized by episodes of jaundice.
Mac Callum suggests the first distinction between epidemic Hepatitis with a short incubation and serum Hepatitis with a long incubation.
Mario Rizetto in Torino identifies Hepatitis delta virus by liver immunostaining.
Vaccines are approved for human use by the F.D.A.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Hepatitis Awareness Week
Local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting Hepatitis Awareness Week by becoming advocates for public health. Pharmacies and clinics can offer free or discounted hepatitis screenings and vaccinations, while workplaces can host educational seminars for employees. Restaurants might partner with local health organizations for ‘dine and donate’ events, contributing a portion of sales to hepatitis research or patient support. Displaying informative posters and distributing brochures can also help raise vital awareness within the community.
Hepatitis Awareness Week FAQs
When is Hepatitis Awareness Week?
Hepatitis Awareness Week 2026 runs from Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1. This annual observance is a critical time for global health organizations and communities to unite against hepatitis.
How many people are affected by hepatitis?
Globally, viral hepatitis is a major public health concern, causing over one million deaths each year. Millions more live with chronic infections, often unaware of their condition, making awareness and testing crucial.
What are the different types of hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by various factors. The most common types are viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), but it can also be non-viral, resulting from alcohol, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases.
Is hepatitis curable?
The curability of hepatitis depends on the type. Hepatitis A and E are typically acute infections that resolve on their own. Hepatitis C is now largely curable with direct-acting antiviral medications, while hepatitis B can be managed with antiviral drugs but is not yet fully curable for most.
How to Observe Hepatitis Awareness Week
Raise awareness
Do your part by raising awareness about Hepatitis. Get on social media and reach the masses.
Start a fundraiser
Conduct an event in your backyard and raise money for this noble cause. Hold music shows, sports events, etc. to entertain people and raise money.
Attend seminars
Get educated and learn more about the disease. Learn how what to expect with Hepatitis and spread the information.
5 Interesting Facts About Hepatitis B
It affects more than 300 million people
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C affect more than 300 million people worldwide.
Viral hepatitis can be prevented
Vaccines for Hepatitis B are completely safe and very effective.
1.5 million get affected each year
Over 1.5 million get newly affected by Hepatitis B.
Over 25% of infected individuals are diagnosed
In America, only 25% of the total cases get diagnosed.
1% of persons also have H.I.V.
1% of persons with H.B.V. virus also have H.I.V.
Why Hepatitis Awareness Week is Important
It explains the urgency of treatment
As hepatitis attacks the liver, the damages can become a medical emergency. Hepatitis Awareness Week proclaims the urgency of treatment for patients.
It brings the community together
Hepatitis Awareness Week brings the community together to support and give tribute to the patients. The community brings immense support to people struggling with hepatitis.
Hepatitis Awareness Week raises awareness
This week is full of vital events, but most importantly, it spreads information about hepatitis, which can help thousands of people. Everything from symptoms to treatment, hepatitis awareness week helps all forms of information to reach people in any way possible.
Hepatitis Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | July 26–August 1 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | July 26–August 1 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | July 26–August 1 | Wednesday–Tuesday |
| 2029 | July 26–August 1 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2030 | July 26–August 1 | Friday–Thursday |
Social Media Tips for Hepatitis Awareness Week
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