World Hepatitis Day 2025 (observed every July 28) highlights the urgent need to combat viral hepatitis, a major global health threat. This year’s WHO theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” calls for dismantling social, financial, and systemic barriers, including stigma that slow progress toward hepatitis elimination.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by viruses, alcohol, drugs, or autoimmune conditions. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), depending on the cause and duration.

Types of Hepatitis:

• Viral Hepatitis: Types A, B, C, D, and E
• Toxic Hepatitis: Caused by alcohol, drugs, or chemicals
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: When the immune system attacks the liver

Common Symptoms:

If left untreated, hepatitis, especially chronic forms, can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.

Focusing on Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a serious liver infection affecting an estimated 254 million people globally and causing over one million deaths each year. At The GeneLab Bioscience Limited (TGL), we support this global effort through cutting-edge HBV diagnostics, early detection, and research.

Early testing, universal vaccination, and safe health practices remain the most effective tools to prevent and eliminate hepatitis B.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a viral infection that primarily attacks the liver. It can present as:

• Acute infection (short-term illness)
• Chronic infection (long-term, lifelong condition)

Many people with chronic HBV show no early symptoms, making the infection dangerous as it silently damages the liver over time.

Unlike the common cold or flu, hepatitis B does not spread through casual contact. Instead, transmission occurs via blood or body-fluid exposure.

The good news: There is a highly effective hepatitis B vaccine. When given at birth and during infancy, it provides up to 100% protection. The HBV vaccine is also the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine, as it prevents the virus responsible for about 80% of liver cancers worldwide.

How Hepatitis B Spreads

• Blood and Body Fluids: HBV enters the bloodstream through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. Major transmission routes include:
  • Mother-to-child during birth
  • Use of contaminated needles or medical equipment
  • Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner
• Shared Needles or Equipment: Using non-sterile syringes for injections, tattoos, or piercings increases HBV risk. Sharing razors or toothbrushes contaminated with blood is also risky.
• Not Through Casual Contact: HBV is not spread by hugging, coughing, sneezing, eating together, or sharing toilets. Normal social interactions are safe.

Symptoms and Long-Term Consequences

• No Early Symptoms: Most newly infected individuals feel healthy and may not know they carry HBV until routine screening or advanced disease stages.
• Acute Infection Signs: Some experience jaundice (yellow eyes/skin), fatigue, dark urine, nausea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms usually resolve within weeks.
• Chronic HBV Risks: Persistent infection leads to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. About 15–25% of people with chronic HBV develop life-threatening complications without treatment.

Hepatitis B Vaccination and Prevention

The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and has been available for decades. Administering the birth dose ensures lifelong protection. Sadly, only 45% of babies worldwide receive it on time, leaving millions unprotected.

Other essential preventive steps include:

• Universal Vaccination: All newborns and unvaccinated individuals should receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
• Sterile Medical Practices: Always use sterilized needles and screen blood donations.
• Safe Sexual Practices: Use condoms to reduce transmission risk.
• Prenatal Screening: Test all pregnant women for HBV to protect newborns.

At The GeneLab Bioscience Limited, we advocate strengthened immunization programs, public health education, and accessible testing to eliminate hepatitis B.

Breaking the Stigma Around Hepatitis B

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to hepatitis B care. Misconceptions about HBV transmission lead to discrimination and fear. In reality:

• Most chronic infections occur at birth or during early childhood, not due to “immoral” behavior.
• Stigma discourages people from testing and seeking treatment.

To overcome this, we must educate communities, normalize testing, and provide supportive care for those affected.

Joining the Global Fight Against Hepatitis B

World Hepatitis Day 2025 is a reminder that we all have a role to play:

• Get Vaccinated if you are unprotected.
• Get Tested if you have risk factors or are unsure of your status.
• Share Accurate Information to fight stigma and misinformation.

At The GeneLab Bioscience Limited, we remain committed to raising awareness, advancing research, and providing world-class hepatitis B screening services. Together, we can break down barriers and eliminate hepatitis B for good.

References

• World Health Organization. Hepatitis B Fact Sheet (2025)
• WHO: World Hepatitis Day 2025 – “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”
• CDC: Hepatitis B Basics (2025)
• WHO news release: WHO sounds alarm on viral hepatitis infections (April 2024)
• Toumi M., Wallace J., Cohen C., et al. (2024). Experience and impact of stigma in people with chronic hepatitis B. BMC Public Health, 24:611