domingo, 28 de julio de 2013

World Hepatitis Day: More must be done to stop this silent killer

Two children sitting on the floor and playing with cups, Nepal

WHO/Christopher Black

15 July 2013 -- Viral hepatitis – a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E – affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year. On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2013, WHO and partners focus on the fact that although the burden of disease caused by viral hepatitis is growing, it remains largely ignored or unknown to many policymakers, health workers and the public.

More on World Hepatitis Day campaign

Hepatitis A

1.4 million estimated cases of hepatitis A every year.
Fact sheet on hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

240 millionpeople live with chronic HBV infection.
Fact sheet on hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

150 millionpeople are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.
Fact sheet on hepatitis C

Highlights

Global policy report on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis

WHO global policy report on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in WHO Member States, a comprehensive report based on findings of a survey responded by 126 countries about their viral hepatitis programmes.