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World Hepatitis Day

Join us in raising awareness and spreading the word about World Hepatitis Day - take action to help protect yourself and others from viral hepatitis!

Tuesday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 28

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to join the global fight against hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day on July 28! This day was first established in 2008 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and advocate for the prevention, testing, and treatment of this infectious liver disease. Since then it has become an important international event that brings people together from all over the world with a shared mission: to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

TIMELINE

World Hepatitis Day Timeline

Discovery of Hepatitis Viruses

Dr. Albert Sabin and Dr. Joseph Stokes demonstrate that "infectious hepatitis" (later known as Hepatitis A) is caused by a virus.

Hepatitis B Virus Isolated

Dr. Baruch Blumberg first identifies the Hepatitis B virus, later developing a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus.

Discovery of Hepatitis C

Scientists at Chiron Corporation, led by Michael Houghton, discover the Hepatitis C virus.

Screening of Blood Donations

Screening of blood donations for Hepatitis C virus becomes routine worldwide, significantly reducing the risk of transmission.

Inception of World Hepatitis Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about viral hepatitis.

Global Health Sector Strategy

WHO releases the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis aiming to eliminate Hepatitis B and C by 2030.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Hepatitis Day

Educate yourself

Take some time to learn more about hepatitis, its causes and effects, and how it can be prevented. There is a wealth of information available online.

SPREAD

Spread awareness

Share your knowledge with others and encourage them to learn more about the disease. Use social media, word of mouth, or create a poster or presentation.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Help out at a local health center or charity that focuses on hepatitis education, prevention, and treatment. You can even organize a fundraising event.

GET

Get tested

If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis, get tested as soon as possible – early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further health complications.

ADVOCATE

Advocate for change

Write letters to your representatives encouraging them to increase funding for hepatitis research and programs that support those living with the virus.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Hepatitis Day is Important

Highlights need for increased funding & resources

Another valuable aspect of World Hepatitis Day is that it highlights the need for additional research into this condition, and improved access to diagnosis, treatment and care in all countries. It's an especially important time to draw attention to campaigns advocating for increased funding initiatives aimed at combating this deadly virus.

Raises awareness of hepatitis

World Hepatitis Day is a key event for raising awareness of the global epidemic of viral hepatitis. It provides an opportunity to remind people about the seriousness of the condition and how people can protect themselves from catching it.

Provides education about prevention & treatments

World Hepatitis Day is also important because it helps to educate people about preventive measures they can take, as well as existing treatments and possible cures. Knowing more information about the different types of viral hepatitis can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their health.