Join the Fight Against Viral Hepatitis: May is Hepatitis Awareness Month!
Every May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) teams up with public health partners to shine a spotlight on viral hepatitis, a prevalent liver disease. This month-long initiative aims to raise awareness about the disease, its transmission, and the critical importance of testing and vaccination to curb its spread.
What is Hepatitis Awareness Month?
Hepatitis Awareness Month, observed annually in May, is dedicated to educating communities about viral hepatitis—a liver inflammation caused by viral infections. It’s also an opportunity to combat the social stigma associated with the disease, which often deters individuals from seeking testing and treatment.
Mark Your Calendars: Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19th
One significant event during Hepatitis Awareness Month is Hepatitis Testing Day, observed since 2012. This national effort encourages screening for hepatitis B and C, two types of viral hepatitis that collectively affect millions of people in the U.S. Testing is vital for early detection and intervention.
Working Towards a Future Without Hepatitis
The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in the U.S. by 2030, aligning with global efforts led by the World Health Organization.
Themes for Hepatitis Awareness Month 2024
This year, Hepatitis Awareness Month will revolve around three key themes, each targeting specific aspects of prevention and treatment:
- May 6-10: Reaching key populations and high-impact settings.
- May 13-17: Protecting young families and pregnant women.
- May 20-24: Accelerating hepatitis C point-of-care testing to expand test-to-cure.
Get Involved: Spread the Word!
Individuals are encouraged to participate in spreading awareness by sharing CDC-provided social media content using hashtags like #HepAware2024, #HepatitisAwarenessMonth, and #Hepatitis. You can also follow @cdchep on social media for updates and resources.
Why Testing Matters
Hepatitis B and C are primarily spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Most infected individuals don’t exhibit symptoms until later stages of the disease, making screening crucial for early detection and intervention.
Take Action: Get Tested
It’s recommended that all adults 18 and older undergo screening for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lives, with more frequent testing for those with specific risk factors.
Spread the Word, Save Lives
To get involved in Hepatitis Testing Day, locate nearby providers offering vaccination and testing, familiarize yourself with CDC recommendations, and utilize social media and educational tools to raise awareness.
Educate Yourself: Webinars and Resources
Throughout the month, various organizations will host informational webinars, providing free registration for interested participants. Additionally, the CDC’s website offers a wealth of educational resources and a social media toolkit to empower individuals in the fight against viral hepatitis.
Together, Let’s Eliminate Hepatitis by 2030!
Join the movement to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Together, we can raise awareness, encourage testing, and ultimately save lives.
