Hepatitis Awareness Month

Hepatitis Awareness Month: Educate, Test, and Protect

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, focusing on raising awareness of viral hepatitis types A, B, and C, which affect millions across the globe. This observance emphasizes the importance of prevention, early testing, and treatment options to prevent liver-related complications and save lives.

Three Facts:
1. Approximately 354 million people globally live with chronic hepatitis B or C, with many unaware of their infection.
2. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, while hepatitis C is curable with proper treatment.
3. Routine screening can prevent health complications since untreated hepatitis infections can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer.

How to Raise Awareness:
1. Attend or host free hepatitis screening events to encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
2. Educate communities about ways to prevent viral hepatitis, including practicing safe hygiene, avoiding needle sharing, and getting vaccinated.
3. Use social media hashtags like #HepatitisAwarenessMonth to spread awareness.

Three Resources:
1. Hepatitis B Foundation – Resources for hepatitis B information and vaccine guidance.
2. CDC Viral Hepatitis – Data, prevention strategies, and testing locations.
3. World Hepatitis Alliance – Global advocacy for hepatitis testing and treatment.