Hepatitis Testing Day : "Test. Treat. Eliminate.

Every year on May 19, health organizations worldwide observe Hepatitis Testing Day, a CDC and WHO-led initiative to raise awareness about viral hepatitis screening and prevention. The 2025 theme, "Test. Treat. Eliminate.", emphasizes the urgent need to scale up testing and treatment to achieve the WHO's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

Why Hepatitis Testing Matters in 2025

1. The Silent Epidemic

325 million people live with hepatitis B or C globally (WHO)
90% of hepatitis B cases and 80% of hepatitis C cases are undiagnosed
1.1 million deaths/year occur due to complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer

2. Testing Breakthroughs

Rapid tests now provide results in 15 minutes
Home testing kits for hepatitis C have increased screening by 40% in high-risk groups
AI-assisted diagnosis helps identify at-risk patients through electronic health records

3. Treatment Advances

Hepatitis C is now 95% curable with 8-12 weeks of pills
New hepatitis B therapies in clinical trials show promise for functional cure by 2026

2025 Theme: "Test. Treat. Eliminate."

Key Focus Areas

✔ High-Risk Populations

People who inject drugs
Migrants from endemic regions
Baby boomers (born 1945-1965)

✔ Innovative Testing Models

Pharmacy-based screening
Mobile testing vans
Prison testing programs

✔ Linkage to Care

Same-day treatment initiation pilots in 15 countries
Patient navigators to reduce drop-offs

Barriers to Elimination

1. Stigma and Awareness

60% of Americans don't know hepatitis C is curable (CDC survey)
Testing rates 50% lower in marginalized communities

2. Treatment Access

Generic hepatitis C drugs cost $50 * * i n E g y p t b u t * *$ 20,000 in some countries
Only 20% of diagnosed patients receive treatment in low-income nations

3. Prevention Gaps

Birth dose vaccination for hepatitis B still missing in 30% of African nations
Needle exchange programs face political opposition in many regions

How to Participate in 2025

For Individuals

Get tested (Find free testing at [hep.org])
Share your story (#HepTestingDay)
Demand price transparency from drug manufacturers

For Healthcare Providers

Implement routine opt-out testing in primary care
Train staff on stigma-free counseling

For Policymakers

Fund national elimination programs
Remove prescription restrictions on hepatitis C treatments

Success Stories

Egypt: Treated 4 million hepatitis C patients since 2014
Iceland: First country to eliminate hepatitis C (2023)
Alabama Medicaid: Removed treatment restrictions, curing 5,000+ patients

Call to Action

"This May 19:

Get tested if you're at risk
Educate others about hepatitis
Advocate for equitable access to treatment"

Together, we can eliminate viral hepatitis in our lifetime."

"The elimination of viral hepatitis is not a dream - it's a practical goal we can achieve by 2030 if we scale up testing and treatment now."

— Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

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