World Hepatitis Day 2026 observed globally on July 28 with theme 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down'

Key facts

• World Hepatitis Day is observed globally on July 28 every year.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) named the 2026 campaign as 'Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down'.
• Viral hepatitis causes an estimated 1.34 million deaths annually, according to the World Hepatitis Alliance.
• Nearly two million new cases of viral hepatitis are added every year.
• An estimated 287 million people globally are living with chronic hepatitis B or C.
• India has an estimated 29 million people with chronic hepatitis B and 5.5 million with chronic hepatitis C.
• India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) was launched in 2018.
• Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by five viruses: A, B, C, D, and E.
• Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B and C spread through blood and body fluids.
• Hepatitis D only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B.
• Chronic hepatitis B and C account for over 90 per cent of deaths and disability linked to viral hepatitis.
• Hepatitis C is curable with an eight to twelve week course of oral antiviral medication.
• The WHO's 2030 elimination targets include a 90 per cent reduction in new hepatitis B infections and a 65 per cent reduction in mortality.