Today, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day. Like other countries around the world, Bangladesh is observing the day through various programs aimed at raising public awareness about hepatitis, ensuring prompt diagnosis, and making treatment more accessible.

This year’s theme is "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down" . This theme emphasizes dispelling misconceptions about hepatitis, reducing fear and social stigma, and making prevention, testing, and treatment accessible to everyone.

In a message issued on Monday (July 27) on the occasion of the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that everyone must work together to raise public awareness for hepatitis prevention, ensure timely diagnosis, and provide accessible treatment.

He added that the government is working to expand modern healthcare, technology-driven treatments, and specialized care for liver diseases.

He further noted that hepatitis can be controlled through timely vaccination, screening, safe health practices, and proper treatment. Therefore, raising awareness and bringing healthcare to people's doorsteps is an urgent demand of the time.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, approximately 10 million people in Bangladesh are infected with hepatitis B and C viruses.

According to private estimates, more than 20,000 people die from the disease in the country every year. Most alarmingly, 9 out of every 10 infected individuals are unaware that they carry the virus.

In 2008, the World Hepatitis Alliance first took the initiative to observe World Hepatitis Day. Later, in 2011, the World Health Organization officially recognized the day. Since then, it has been observed globally every year on July 28.

Notably, July 28—the birthday of Nobel laureate scientist Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus, developed diagnostic tests, and contributed significantly to vaccination—is observed as World Hepatitis Day.