Listening to your liver: A call to action on World Hepatitis Day

This World Hepatitis Day, it's time to turn our attention to our hardworking liver and the threat of hepatitis. This annual awareness campaign serves as a vital reminder of the impact of viral hepatitis on individuals and communities worldwide.

In this article, we will explore this year’s theme of 'One life, one liver', dive deep into the significance of listening to your liver, and discuss the effect of hepatitis B and C.

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis, an inflammatory liver condition, is a health concern affecting millions worldwide. Primarily caused by viral infections, this silent threat lurks in the shadows, with its impact ranging from mild illness to severe complications. The liver, a vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and energy storage, becomes the battleground in the fight against viral hepatitis.

The five main hepatitis viruses - A, B, C, D, and E - differ in their modes of transmission, severity of illness, and potential for chronic infection.

Tracing the path of World Hepatitis Day

On July 28th, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated to commemorate Dr. Baruch Blumberg's birthday. Dr Blumberg was a Nobel-prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine through his groundbreaking research. This day serves as a global reminder to raise awareness about hepatitis and its impact on people's lives.

Every 30 seconds, someone loses their life to a hepatitis-related illness, making taking action against this disease imperative. The World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, providing vaccines and treatment to those who require it the most.

One life, one liver

The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day is "One life, one liver," which encourages individuals, partners, and the public to come together in the battle against viral hepatitis. This message reminds us that we only have one life to live and one liver to sustain, so we must take care of it. Our liver works tirelessly, performing over 500 vital functions daily, making it an essential organ for survival.

Hepatitis B and C are diseases that cause symptoms in the advanced stages. They are a significant concern as they drive over one million deaths annually, resulting in a new chronic infection every ten seconds. It is crucial to maintain liver health. However, there is hope, as many hepatitis deaths are preventable. Vaccines are accessible for hepatitis B, while effective treatments and even a cure exist for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B (HBV): Causes, effects, and prevention

Hepatitis B is a global health concern, affecting over 290 million people with chronic infections. It’s a common and serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids, and it can occur through various means, including direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, illegal drug use, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth.

While most adults clear the virus within six months, a significant percentage of individuals, especially children and babies, may develop a chronic HBV infection. Chronically infected individuals can pass the virus to others and are at increased risk of liver problems later in life. This can lead to:

• Fibrosis - Inflammation prompts the liver to form tiny scars, known as fibrosis, making it difficult for the liver to function properly.
• Cirrhosis - With a chronic HBV infection, large areas of the liver can become permanently scarred, leading to shrinkage and hardening, impairing blood flow.
• Liver failure - Severe cirrhosis can result in liver failure, affecting the liver's filtering ability and clotting factors, potentially leading to death.
• Liver cancer - Cirrhosis can increase the risk of liver cancer, as damaged liver cells may become cancerous. Regular testing for chronic hepatitis B is vital for early detection and life-saving interventions.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, but effective treatments are available for those with chronic infections or past acute infections.

Hepatitis C (HCV): The risks, symptoms, and treatment options

Hepatitis C is often called the "silent killer" as it can go undetected for years, leading to chronic infections in over 70 million individuals worldwide. HCV primarily spreads through blood-to-blood contact, commonly through sharing contaminated needles during drug use. Early testing and treatment can prevent lasting damage to the liver. However, if left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to severe liver conditions such as;

• Cirrhosis - Around 20% of untreated hepatitis C patients develop cirrhosis after 20 years, which can progress through two stages: compensated cirrhosis, where the liver still functions despite the damage, and decompensated cirrhosis, where liver function is impaired. Early cirrhosis is often asymptomatic. Cirrhosis has no cure, but lifestyle changes and hepatitis C treatment can slow its progression.
• Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) - Hepatitis-associated cirrhosis elevates liver cancer risk as healthy cells turn to scar tissue, increasing cancerous mutations. Approximately 1 in 20 with cirrhosis develop liver cancer, treatable in some cases to control symptoms and spread.
• Liver failure - This can occur in severe cases, affecting about 1 in 20 people with hepatitis-associated cirrhosis.

Early testing and treatment are essential, as hepatitis C is curable and can significantly improve liver health. If you suspect exposure to hepatitis C, prompt testing is crucial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, World Hepatitis Day stands as a powerful call to action against viral hepatitis. With the theme "One life, one liver," we are reminded of the value of our liver health and the urgency to act as a person loses their life to a hepatitis-related illness every 30 seconds. The World Health Organisation's commitment to eradicating hepatitis by 2030 through vaccination and treatment provides hope for a future free from this preventable disease.

By understanding the various types of hepatitis and their potential impact on the liver, we emphasise the importance of early detection, prevention, and timely intervention. Together, we can create a world where hepatitis is no longer a burden and liver health thrives for brighter and healthier futures.

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