World Hepatitis Day today, calls to raise awareness

This year's theme, ''Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down,'' highlights the need to remove the social, economic and structural barriers that prevent people from accessing hepatitis testing, vaccination, treatment and care.

Health experts inform that hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. Among the different forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C remain the greatest public health concerns. If left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Experts note that significant progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis. Effective vaccines have long been available to prevent hepatitis B, while highly effective antiviral medicines can now cure most cases of hepatitis C. For people living with hepatitis B, long-term antiviral therapy plays a vital role in controlling the disease and reducing the risk of severe liver complications.

Despite these advances, millions of people worldwide still lack access to essential testing and treatment services. Limited awareness, social stigma, fear, inadequate healthcare access and economic inequality continue to prevent many from receiving timely diagnosis and care.

According to health experts, expanding public awareness, increasing access to early screening and ensuring timely treatment are the most effective steps toward achieving a hepatitis-free future.