Bobo woke up feeling tired. He had treated malaria repeatedly over many months. He wondered why his malaria would not go away. He decided to talk about it. He visited his neighbourhood pharmacist, who explained to him that his symptoms could point to many diseases, not just malaria. His pharmacist explained to him the benefits of getting tested. Bobo decided to get tested for malaria. The test came out negative. From the discussion with his pharmacist, he was at risk of viral hepatitis; he had never done a hepatitis test and had yet to be vaccinated. He agreed to a point-of-care test for hepatitis B. The test came out positive.
Did You Know?
Every year on July 28, people all over the world come together to talk about something that often flies under the radar —hepatitis. It is serious, it is silent, and it is still misunderstood. That’s why the theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025 is all about getting clear and staying informed: “Let’s Break It Down.”
So, let’s do just that.
What is Hepatitis, really?
In simple terms, hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and it is your liver’s way of saying, “Hey, something is not right.”
It can be caused by alcohol, certain medications, or even your immune system. But the biggest global cause? Viruses.
The good news?
- It is preventable (like hepatitis B, which has a vaccine).
- It is treatable, and
- Hepatitis C is curable with the proper treatment.
Types of Hepatitis:
There are five main types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E.
Here is how they spread:
- Hepatitis A and E: From contaminated food or water (through infected faeces). It is usually short-term, but it is still not fun.
- Hepatitis B, C, and D: Through contact with infected blood or body fluids. This includes unprotected sex, an infected pregnant mother to child, shared needles, razors, accidental prick by contaminated object, or unsafe medical practices.
The Scariest Part?
Many of the people living with hepatitis have no idea that they are.
That’s right, one can go years without a single symptom. But underneath, the virus can quietly damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, cancer, and even death.
Why It Really Matters:
Hepatitis is a leading cause of liver cancer and a growing global health crisis.
Here is what the numbers tell us:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day/2025/key-messages
Chronic viral hepatitis claims about 5 lives every 2 minutes (about 1.3 million deaths every year), with hepatitis B having the lion’s share!
At least 4 people get infected every minute.
Despite being preventable and treatable, the disease burden is growing, especially in places where access to healthcare is limited.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Here are a few simple things you can do:
- Get Tested: Don’t wait to feel sick. A simple blood test can detect hepatitis B or C early. Yes, early detection saves lives.
- Get Vaccinated: There is a safe, effective vaccine for hepatitis B. If you haven’t had it, now is a great time to talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you are at risk of getting infected. /vaccinations/
- Practice Safe Habits: Avoid sharing razors, needles, or even toothbrushes. Only get piercings or tattoos from trusted professional places. Yes, observe the ABC of sex (Abstinence, Be loyal, or condom use if you have extramarital sex).
- Talk About It: One conversation can make a big difference. Encourage your family, friends, and community to learn, ask questions, and get tested.
Hepatitis doesn’t just affect numbers; it affects real people: parents, children, partners, coworkers, neighbours (People you know and care about who may not even know they are at risk).
By speaking up and staying informed, you are not just protecting yourself; you are helping build a world where no one dies from hepatitis simply because they didn’t know.
In conclusion, let’s make this more than just a day on the calendar; instead, take a small step with a big impact because sometimes, one test, one complete vaccination, or one conversation can change or even save a life.
Let’s break it down. Let’s build a healthier future.
#LetsBreakItDown
#WorldHepatitisDay2025
#GetTestedGetProtected
We are available to meet your vaccine needs, visit us @ Victory Vaccine Clinic vaccinations
Here are some supplements that can help your liver:
https://victorydrugspharmacy.com/product-category/digestive-health/detoxifiers
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