Every year on July 28, the world comes together to recognise World Hepatitis Day, shining a light on a global health issue that often goes unnoticed. The World Hepatitis Day 2026 theme, Hepatitis: Let's break it down, calls for the removal of barriers that prevent people from accessing hepatitis services that can save their lives.

More than 304 million people globally are living with chronic hepatitis B or C, yet the majority remain undiagnosed until it is too late. In South Africa alone, over one million new cases are reported each year—despite the fact that hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable and hepatitis C is curable with available therapies. In South Africa where many individuals are living with undiagnosed hepatitis B or C, this day is vital reminder to get tested and seek treatment.

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a viral infection. The most common types, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), are both blood-borne and can lead to chronic liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer.

• Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, unprotected sex, and from mother to child at birth. It is preventable through vaccination, which has been available for over four decades.
• Hepatitis C is commonly spread through unsafe medical practices, contaminated injections, or sharing needles. While there is no vaccine, hepatitis C is curable in most cases with a class of medicines known as direct-acting antiviral medications.

Because symptoms often only appear in advanced stages, early testing and diagnosis are vital to preventing life-threatening complications.

“Unfortunately in South Africa a lack of awareness and limited access to screening often results in delayed diagnosis, particularly in under privileged areas such as informal settlements and rural areas. Many people discover they have hepatitis when it's too late for effective treatment", said Dr Neliswa Gogela from the National Department of Health.

She further added that “South Africa's growing vaccination campaigns, increased access to affordable treatments and public health education initiatives are all working to change the story. With early detection and appropriate care, hepatitis can be managed and in some cases it can be cured."

Written by Ayanda Radebe
10/10/2025

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