Hepatitis testing can save lives
Did You Know?
Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and created both a diagnostic test and vaccine. Now, World Hepatitis Day is celebrated each year on July 28, Dr. Blumberg’s birthday.
- 1.3 million deaths from hepatitis B and C each year Worldwide, 290 million people with viral hepatitis don’t know they have the disease
- 90% of people living with hepatitis B that don’t know that they have the disease
- Hepatitis C is curable
- Hepatitis B is treatable and can be managed, but less than 1% of patients with HBV are treated
We are NOT waiting
The theme of World Hepatitis Day 2023 is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait.” According to the WHO, a person dies every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness. We know that expanded access to testing and treatment are key to saving lives. That’s why the CDC recommends one-time hepatitis C testing for all adults, and additional screening in pregnant individuals and people with other risk factors.
“The fact that millions of cases of viral hepatitis are undiagnosed is what makes this disease one of our most important global health opportunities.”
Davide Manissero MD, MRCPCH, MSc, DTM&H, Chief Medical Officer, QIAGEN